News 3/13:
---------------
Moonrises 2nd LP on Captcha Records, "Frozen Altars" has hit the shops! We are thrilled how it turned out, and our LP release show is Monday at Empty Bottle (see below for deets) and a tour for April 30-May.13 is almost entirely booked, we will hit the south (New Orleans!) and east coast.

The next Million Tongues festival is here! Thurs April 11 will feature a rare appearance by noisy psychedelic Tokyo demigod Keiji Haino, and Fri. April 12 will feature Japan's Acid Mothers Temple! Openers are still being solidified...

My next vinyl project with Logan Hardware has almost come to completion, the Simply Saucer "Reckless Agitation" EP, consisting of four 70s tracks NEVER released til now! The packaging is so mindblowing I won't even ruin it here, but this sucker will be ready for Record Store Day, and it FLIES!!!!????

Here's a good cause/project on Kickstarter, so Ms. Maria aka Photo Sans Nom can record 6 singles in a year with yours truly doing the exclusive artwork, check it out:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/563320207/photo-sans-nom-records-6-singles-in-1-year

If you wanna check out the solo set i just did in London at the Gorilla Perfumes gallery, here it is: https://soundcloud.com/apollolaan/plastic-crimewave-live-at

And here's the live set I did with the Humminbird at the Burlington in January:
http://thehumminbird.bandcamp.com/album/live-set-at-burlington-bar-with-plastic-crimewave

Hot Shows:
---------------
Fri. Mar.22--
Plastic Crimewave Syndicate opens for Maston (from LA, on Trouble In Mind Recs.) at Empty Bottle, with ET Habit opening the show at 9:30pm. FREE with RSVP. (but do it today!)
https://www.facebook.com/events/315181591918110/?ref=ts&fref=ts

Mon. Mar.25--
Moonrises record release show at Empty Bottle, a FREE Monday with Toupee (also releasing a new LP!), Mako Sica and PissPissPissOnoOnoOno (a sweet collab of Ono and PissPissPissMoanMoanMoan, and i was invited to guest on a number!) Starts at 9pm.
https://www.facebook.com/events/211072359031740/?ref=ts&fref=ts

Thurs. Mar.28--
Secret History Of Chicago Music Concert Series at the Hideout, featuring a RARE appearance by sax and electronics man Jim Cuomo, former member of electronic psychsters Spoils of War and French acid folkies Mormos. Opening are the great Bruce Lamont and Via Verso. 9pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/210390495774285/?ref=ts&fref=ts

Sat. Mar.30--
DJ-ing the Whistler from 10pm til 3am, with MANY new 45s from my travels getting their first airings...lotsa glam, psych, folk, "rare groove", etc.

Upcoming:
--------------
April.11-12-Million Tongues fest
April 19-Plastic Crimewave Syndicate w/Energy Gown @ Big Forever
April 20-Record Store Day caricatures at Reckless
April 28-Moonrises at Cobra Lounge with The People's Temple and Energy Gown
April 30-May 12--Moonrises US tour
May 29-Moonrises in Madison, WI w/Spires, Malaikat Dan Singa, Circuit Des Yeux
May 31-Zsolar Fox w/Bil Vermette/Travis and Circuit Des Yeux@ Cafe Mustache
June 7-Plastic Crimewave Syndicate at Double Door w/Killer Moon, Rabble Rabble
June 8-9-Bellweather fest at the Hideout (DJ-ing/caricaturing)
June 14-Source Family documentary premier band
June 15-At the Chicago Alternative Comics Expo [CAKE]
June 19-Performing with the Humminbird @ The Whistler
June 28-Performing with the Humminbird @ Jerry's
June 29-Plastic Crimewave Syndicate w/Ttotals @ tba
June 29-30-At the ALA conference/zine exhibition
July 27-Comics day at the MCA
Aug.21-Million Tongues secret event @ Empty Bottle
Sept.7-Plastic Crimewave Vision Celestial Guitarkestra at the Hideout Block Party

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------News 2/14/13
-------------------
Moonrises 2nd LP "Frozen Altars" is due on Feb.26 on Captcha Records, and the Record release show is Mar.25 at Empty Bottle, a FREE Monday with Toupee (also releasing a new LP!), Mako Sica and PissPissPissOnoOnoOno (a sweet collab of Ono and PissPissPissMoanMoanMoan, and i was invited to guest on a number!)

I will be in Los Angeles doing a few DJ gigs next week with my man Jimi Hey (ex-Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti, Indian Jewelry, Beachwood Sparks, Devendra's band, All-Night Radio, etc). Tell yer LA pals!
Feb.21--The Black Boar in Eagle Rock, 1630 Colorado Blvd, 10pm-2am for the eve called "Wow"
Feb.22--Krishna Kumar Gallery, 1218 1/2 W. Temple, 10pm til ?, for the eve known as "Ding A Ling", put on by Don Bolles of The Germs/Fancy Space People!

Impose magazine featured some excellent photos from January's successful Chicago Psych Fest IV:
http://www.imposemagazine.com/photos/chicago-psychfest-iv-night-1
http://www.imposemagazine.com/photos/chicago-psychfest-iv-night-2

I'm midway through a small mural at the Burlington, which is in the room in between rooms (bar/rock room), which will feature 3 rock star types hanging from the shadow of a pipe (ya gotta just see this), it shall be finished on Monday!

I did some art for Chicago Mix Tape, and it is paired with me old partner in Crime, Lawrence Peters--and his mix:
http://www.chicagomixtape.com/calendar/current/105/

The Ono "Machines That Kill People" reissue released by Priority Male and my Galactic Archive imprint is selling briskly! The colored vinyl is GONE! So get 'em while ya can! I have a FEW copies left...

The next Secret History of Chicago Music Concert Series show has been set, featuring legendary sax/electronics man Jim Cuomo, who was in Champaign-area electronics-addled garage/psych band Spoils of War, and French acid-folk band Mormos, and has solo releases--opening is acid-country-soundtrackers Via Verso, and hopefully similar minded local avant-sax man Bruce Lamont.

GIGS this week:
---------------
Fri. Feb.16--
Plastic Crimewave Syndicate opens for the debut of Pulsing Weave (ex-Black Wyrm Seed) at Cafe Mustache, 2313 N.Milwaukee, at 9pm, with DJs YT and Ray of Dark Fog
https://www.facebook.com/events/395134543909641/

Mon. Feb.18--
Sitting in with the delightful Humminbird at the Burlington, we play 2nd it appears, with Ty Maxon headlining, and The Red Threads opening...9pm show
https://www.facebook.com/events/453270578059579/

Upcoming:
------------
Feb.21-The Black Boar in Eagle Rock, 1630 Colorado Blvd, 10pm-2am for the eve called "Wow"
Feb.22-Krishna Kumar Gallery, 1218 1/2 W. Temple, 10pm til ?, for the eve known as "Ding A Ling", put on by Don Bolles of The Germs/Fancy Space People!
Mar.1-Flagstaff radio show/house show gig
Mar.11-17-More UK action--secret projects!
Mar.22-Plastic Crimewave Syndicate opens for Maston (Trouble In Mind Recs.) at Empty Bottle
Mar.25-Moonrises and Toupee record release show with Mako Sica and PissPissPissOnoOnoOno at Empty Bottle
Mar.28-SHoCM Concert Series at the Hideout with Jim Cuomo, Bruce Lamont and Via Verso
Mar.30-DJ-ing the Whistler
April.11-Secret special Japanese psychgod show
April 19-Plastic Crimewave Syndicate w/Energy Gown @ Big Forever
April 20-Record Store Day caricatures at Reckless
April-May--Moonrises US tour

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News 11/27/12:
---------------------
Wow, its sure been a while since I've sent out one of these mass e.mail things, aren't you lucky? Well, there's been an extraordinary amount of exciting haps since then, so please press on, if you dare.

First off, and perhaps most thrilling, is my very-soon-like UK trip in December, which has a few more possible events forthcoming, but is looking pretty good!
Dec. 3-6--Muraling for Lush event
7-8--Lush "Voice of Reason" art show shindig--more info here: http://www.hungertv.com/art-culture/feature/scents-and-scentsibility-gorilla-perfume/
12--DJ-ing the Alibi in Dalston for DJ Cherrystones' b-day bash
13--Meet-up with Judy Dyble (Fairport Convention, Trader Horne, etc)
15--Solo guitar set at Volcanic Tongue music shop in Glasgow, Scotland with Heather Murray solo set (ex-Charalambides, Ash Castles on the Ghost Coast)
18--Interviewing Bobbie and Jonny of 60s pagan-folk band Comus!
21--DJ-ing the Alibi in Dalston for Rocket Recordings' "Nothing Is" night
22--Interview Tony and Caro of private press folk trio Tony, Caro and John
23--Meet-up with legendary acid-folker Mark Fry

Also just booked is a Los Angeles/Arizona adventure, possibly with more events to come:
Feb.21--DJ-ing the Black Boar in eagle rock with thee legendary Jimi Hey (formerly of Ariel Pink, Beachwood Sparks, Indian Jewelry, Devendra's band)
Feb.22 or 23--DJ-ing Club Ding A Ling with Jimi Hey and Don Bolles of the Germs (!!!) and Fancy Space People
Mar. 1--Appearing on the Psychotic Reaction radio show at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff
Mar.2--House show in Flagstaff w/back-up from the Myrrors

I am now accepting subscriptions for year 7 of the Galactic Zoo Mix Tape Club (yes, real TAPES), starting in January 2013! Postage has gone up dramatically, so US subscriptions are $45, overseas $65, and you get a tape every other month for a year, of rare psychedelia, glam, hard rock, post-punk, astral folk, etc. If you live in Chi-towne near my neighborhood or I can hand tapes off to you in person somehow, only $25.

It is with bittersweet joy that I announce the next Secret History Of Chicago Music Concert Series night at the Hideout, as I will be out of town for it!! Yes, legendary Chi-towne honey-voiced soul-man Renaldo Domino will be joined by the infamous R n' B god Andre Williams, both backed by Expo '76, for what is sure to be an incredible night--sure wish I could go! You better attend at least...
www.hideoutchicago.com/event/176690/

Aw, here's a nice review of the Plastic Crimewave Sound/Djin Aquarian LP, thanks Bill:
http://kendrasteinereditions.wordpress.com/2012/10/13/djin-aquarian-and-plastic-crimewave-sound-save-the-world-prophase-lp/

Stoked that Drag City and I are repressing my first Galactic Zoo Disk LP release, JT IV "Cosmic Lightning" (take that e-bay scumbags, for selling this sucker for like $100). This edition will not include the DVD (so cherish yours if ya got it) but features all-new art and insert with recently excavated photos that are mindblowing...this will hit the shops soon, so if loner glam-punk is your vibe, def. pick this up. Thanks to Robert Manis for doing some serious work on this one.

Wow, my latest GZDisk LP release, Tony Caro and John's "Blue Clouds" 1st pressing has sold out! I THINK we're gonna press more, but you might want to grab this delightful bit of previously-unreleased UK astral-folk whimsy from shops while you can! Jazzed to meet Tony and Caro while in the UK too...You can read a bit about them and hear a bit too here:
http://www.imposemagazine.com/bytes/tony-caro-john-where-the-elephants-go-to-die-mp3

Mastering and final touches on the artwork are being completed for the 2nd Moonrises LP, "Frozen Altars" on Captcha Records! Yay!

Wow, another LP reissue release, can you handle it? Expecting any day now the reissue of ONO's genius 1st album, "Machines That Kill People" , a co-release with the awesum Priority Male records. The original on Thermidor Records (Birthday Party, Flipper, SPK, etc) is getting pretty rare and expensive, so if experimental/electronic art-noise gospel by local legends is your thing, get ready! Hand-screened covers and fancy insert too.

I'm thrilled to now be an official consultant/writer on a documentary film on drug-dealing dark-folkie Peter Kelley (his "Path of the Wave" LP has been a late night fave for years now). The film "The Man is Dead--The Peter Kelley Story" is by his kindly niece Ali Boyd, and the story has more twists and turns than you can imagine. Check out the awesome trailer here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QIdolQ54HM

Majorly stoked for the relaunch of one of my fave mags of the last decade, Arthur! It'll be back Dec.22 in a new bimonthly, larger format (15" x 22.75"). This time around it'll have a mere $5 cover charge, and ads will only appear on the back covers. I am honored to be doing a portrait of my lamented late friend Jack Rose for the first ish.
www.thewire.co.uk/news/21091/arthur-magazine-returns

And This Week:
-------------
Friday 11/30--
Moonrises will be playing a benefit for CAKE (Chicago Alternative Komics Expo) along with the Hecks and Bomb Banks at Situations, for more info on the space e.mail me.
http://bombbanks.com/2012/11/21/cake-benefit-1130/

Sunday 12/2--
Plastic Crimewave Syndicate jams it at Empty Bottle with incredible Japanese avant/psych guitarist Suzuki Junzo, who i played with in Tokyo like 12 years ago! Also playing are the devotional free-rock duo Pandava (Ben Baker Billington and Jeff Host) and the free-improv duo of Frank Rosaly and Steve Hess. Its only a $3 show, AND i leave the country for my month-long UK-trip the next day! Come say "Bye".

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News 8/30/12:
-------------------
Ok its time to hype the next Plastic Crimewave Vision Celestial Guitarkestra at the Hideout Block Party Fri. Sept.14 at 5:30pm. Yes, here's your chance to play at (and attend for free plus get a few drink tickets at) the sold-out Block Party, right before krautrockin' Cave kicks it, and Iron and Wine plays later along with many other sweet bands. Come one, come all, let's communally and ecstatically rock with "E" guitar drone power! We need folks of all playing styles (from no experience at all to accomplished) to bring their own guitars, cords, and small amps, to be at the Hideout by 5pm and check in with doorman/production man Gabe (look for the 'stache). I will loosely conduct the sonic ceremony in the key of "E" from 5:30-6pm. All ages can play and attend! (but maybe bring earplugs for the kids...or don't)

Test pressings have arrived for Tony Caro and John's "Blue Clouds"---all unreleased and lovely material by early 70s UK folk trio who produced the classic multiply-reissued "All On the First Day" mega-rare album. Vintage photos were commandeered, and its going to be a beautiful package---and it sounds great on vinyl for the first time ever! It'll be out Oct.6.

It is looking like Moonrises has found a label home for our very-originally titled "Moonrises II" LP...

And a lot of action going on this Labor Day weekend...
--------------------------------------------------------------
Fri. 31st--
The next official installment of the radio version of the 'Secret History of Chicago Music' will air in the evening at 11:30 pm central time on WGN 720AM on the Nick Digilio show.
For this segment we will be playing the music of and discussing primordial bluesman Robert Petway, with guest blues historian Scott Wilkinson; and we will covering Dave Major and the Minors, who have a bit of a dark end to their loungey "show band" story.
You outta-towners can catch the webcast/stream deal at:
http://wgnradio.com/listen/index.htm
strips are archived on-line at:
http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/secrethistor
radio shows are archived at:
http://wgnradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=297&Itemid=543
and don't forget the strips are archived here too...
www.plasticcrimewave.com

Sat. 1st--
Plastic Crimewave Syndicate will be jammin' out some of our own material at a swingin yard party aka "Babedude Fest 2012" at Ottoman Empire 2820 W.Lyndale which starts at 5pm, Other bands:
VAMOS
SUEVES
RABBLE RABBLE
SLUSHY
MASSIVE EGO
SPECIAL GUESTS: SUPER NOVA RAPTOR
JOHNNY YOUNG
MORE?!

Mon.3--
I'll be sitting in with Louisville's Mimi Von Schnitzl at an instore at Permanent Records along with Cleveland's fave fucked-up sons, Puffy Areolas, at 4pm
and
Plastic Crimewave Syndicate w/DBLBBQ (members of Cave and Great Society Mind Destroyers), Flux Bikes and Mimi Von Schnitzl (Louisville) FREE at Empty Bottle at 9:30. For those who missed our Hawkwind covers set at the Whistler, we will be reprising a few Hawkjams with guests Nick D'Vyne (Vee Dee) and Bruce Lamont (Yakuza, Bloodiest).

Upcoming:
-------------
9/4--Month long art show goes up at salon Tress
9/8--Solar Fox at Pan Y Rosas showcase at the Hideout, DJ-ing afterparty!
9/14--PCWVCGuitarkestra at Hideout Block Party
9/24--Moonrises at Empty bottle FREE
9/29--Closing reception for art show at Salon tress with Travis (ONO)/Bil Vermette duo/Hands of Hydra/Spires at 7pm.
10/4--SHoCM Concert Series w/Michael Chapman, O.W.L., and The Singleman Affair.
10/5--Moonrises @ Situations w/Cool Memories and Cave Bears
10/06--Caricaturing @ 4pm in Logan Square at central monument
10/11--DJ-ing the Rainbo
10/13--DJ-ing the Whistler w/Amanda Parris
10/17--Solar Fox @ The Whistler for Glad Cloud series anniversary, w/White/Light and Male.
10/19--Moonrises w/Mondo Drag and Vamos @ The Burlington
10/22--Playing Hungry Brain w/Humminbird and ONO
11/10--DJ-ing the whistler
11/17--PCWSyndicate at Coles w/Velcro Lewis Group
11/30--Moonrises @ Situations
12/2--PCWSyndcate at Empty Bottle w/Suzuki Junzo (Tokyo), Rosaly/Hess and Pandava
12/3--Back to London!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News 8/23/12:
-------------------
Now hitting shelves is the latest issue of Classic Rock PROG magazine, who interviewed me while I was in the UK. I got a fancy 2-page spread where I talk about my growing up with prog and bands that impacted me, and i get to namedrop Chicago proggers like STYX (yeahhhh) and Yezda Urfa. Plus Roxy Music, Marillion and Genesis are cover features!
http://www.progrockmag.com/news/new-prog-mag-on-sale-4/

Wow, after a dry spell, it is seemingly raining vinyl releases this summer-- as a new/old Plastic Crimewave Sound 45 just dropped on the Notes and Bolts label. The 2 songs are actually from my 2001 solo album studio sessions which led to the formation of Plastic Crimewave Sound. "Tears for Reep Daggle" is some twisted psych-pop featuring the band, and the B-side "A Dream You See" is a solo acid-folky cut featuring Tsuyama Atsushi of Acid Mothers Temple and Tara Burke aka Fursaxa. The mindblowin' art is by Kriss Stress---contact me for info on obtaining...

The next Secret History of Chicago Music Concert Series is set at the Hideout for Thurs. Oct. 4, and it is a very special one indeed, because we will be treated to a rare performance by O.W.L. (Of Wondrous Legends), who have an extremely rare and gorgeous baroque-folk record that was reissued by Locust Music a few years back. EQUALLY exciting is that somehow the planets converged and godly UK singer/songwriter Michael Chapman will be headlining, whose creaky yet sublime 60s/70s LPs on Harvest (now being reissued by the amazing Light in the Attic label) are very near and dear to my heart...and he's a wonderful bloke who BLAZES on geetar. Opening is the lovely Singleman Affair, who are divinely Fred Neil-ian beings, making this quite possibly the perfect night.

Solar Fox has begun work on a studio album, recording with legendary 20th century classical composer Edward M. Zajda in Cicero.

Upcoming:
------------
Fri. 24--
DJing at the Hideout 11-2pm, after the production of HAIR, so expect groovy sounds.

Sat. 25--
Caricaturing 5:30pm til 8 in Logan Square (on the square) for the Summer Sessions Concert Series
and
Caricaturing at Gallery Cabaret from 8:30-10:30 with Under The Kitchen playing, better known as Janina Angel Bath's dad's band--and they do Velvet underground covers!

Sun. 26--
Super-stoked for the Hawkwind tribute night Plastic Crimewave Syndicate will be doing at the Whistler Aug.26 for their "Playing Favorites" series, we have a sweet line-up set, including Nick D'vyne on gtr/vox, Bruce Lamont as N
ik Turner, Chris Connelly as Michael Moorcock (broadcasting remotely from space), Hands of Hydra as Del Dettmar/Dik Mik, and Tracy Trouble as the dancer Stacia! We play second around 11pm, and PCWSyndicate has a page you can "like" at: www.facebook.com/PlasticCrimewaveSyndicate

Upcoming:
-------------
9/1--Month long art show goes up at salon Tress
9/3--Plastic Crimewave Syndicate w/DBLBBQ, Flux Bikes and Mimi Von Schnitzl at Empty Bottle
9/8--Solar Fox at Pan Y Rosas showcase
9/14--PCWVCGuitarkestra at Hideout Block Party
9/22--Caricatures in Logan Square for Summer Sessions
10/4--SHoCM Concert Series w/Michael Chapman, O.W.L., and The Singleman Affair.
10/19--Moonrises w/Mondo drag and Rabble Rabble @ The Burlington

News 8/8/12:
----------------
Wow, I haven't posted here in a while, I guess since June before my epic 3-week UK trip, which was indeed a resounding success and grand time. LUSHfest in Dorset was a gas, and despite some serious weather conditions (yes, a small ravine in my tent), I indeed was able to mural-up an entire bus, perform a solo set, and caricature folks from all over the world--and everyone seemed to dig the comic book/catalog I created for Lush's Gorilla Perfumes. Plus I saw some great performances by Alexander Tucker, Wooden Wand, and Richard Youngs (and missed a lot of good acts too). Afterwards I DJ-ed 3 times in London (on NTS radio, at the Alibi and at Kristina Records in Dalston) and did some instore appearances (Rough Trade and Gosh Comics) to hype my new Galactic Zoo Dossier mag, which Drag City tells me is selling briskly--whew. I was also able to meet-up with/interview some of my heroes, like dark folk god Simon Finn, Judy Dyble of Fairports/Trader Horne/Giles Giles and Fripp, and Brian Godding of Blossom Toes/Kevin Coyne band/etc. I met so many incredible people, bought so many incredible records/books/ephemera, and picked up a few incredible art jobs even...plus sampled some fine local ales...whew. I'm finally recovered now I think, and absorbing most of it all. Special shout-outs to Godsy Cherrystones, Fred at Drag City and Matt Shaw for making this trip possible.
Some shots of the painted bus:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joimson/7533599690/
My highly edited solo set at Lushfest (yeah the mellow space-out part got cut) as well as some of the other performances:
http://www.ifjusttoday.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/blog-post.html

All art is finished and music mastered for the next vinyl release on my imprint with Logan Hardware, Galactic Archive. 4 unreleased songs by one of my fave bands of all time, 70s Canadian proto-punk/psychsters Simply Saucer! Yes, the "Reckless Agitation EP" 45 will be packaged an extra-special way I'm not sure I even want to reveal yet--but you will have never seen anything like it before. (I hope)

Art and mastering is also wrapped up for my next LP release on Galactic Zoo Disk/Drag City (and a co-release with Gaarden Recs. in Baltimore)-- Tony Caro and John's "Blue Clouds"---all unreleased and lovely material by early 70s UK folk trio who produced the classic multiply-reissued "All On the First Day" mega-rare album. Vintage photos were commandeered, and its going to be a beautiful package for fans of Incredible String Band, Forest, Left-Handed Marriage, Pentangle, etc. Its due out Oct.6.

I just did my first etching art in some 18 years for the sweet Soul Jazz label, more specifically their Sounds of the Universe imprint (the same name as their store, which i visited in Soho, London), which features limited split 12"s with one side music (this time by the duo collaboration Bludd Relations) and one side etched art. Cool beans.

Been practicing finally for the Hawkwind tribute at the Whistler Aug.26, and its actually sounding good! We're lucky to have recruited Nick D'Vyne (ex-Vee Dee/Plastic Crimewave Sound) in our space army on guitar/vox, and we're thrilled to have guests like Chris Connelly (ex-Ministry/Revolting Cocks) as Michael Moorcock, Tracy Trouble as Stacia, Hand of Hydra as DikMik/Del Dettmar, and Bruce Lamont (Yakuza/Bloodiest) as Nik Turner. Its gonna rule, and we are BORN TO GO!

Just approved proofs for the book I illustrated earlier this year for Skyhorse Press, "The Desktop Guide to Dictators and Despots" by Gilbert Alter-Gilbert. I did 52 drawings of various evil power-mongers throughout history, in a pop-art realism sorta style, and the book will be out in October, and supposedly feature a promotional push by Barnes and Noble? whoa...
You can actually see the cover and blurb if you scroll down a little before halfway here:
http://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/html/WYSIWYGfiles/files/Fall%202012%20Skyhorse%20Catalog.pdf

Big Show this Week!
-----------------------
Sat. 11th--
I couldn't be more excited for the 3rd installment of my Secret History of Chicago Music Concert Series at The Hideout this Saturday, featuring one of my true musical heroes Phil Cohran! Yes, I did my very first SHoCM strip on Brother Phil in 2004, and he is a spry 83 years old, so don't miss this rare performance. Phil really invented the genre "Soul Jazz" as well as instruments like the Frankiphone, plus he ran the legendary Affro Arts Center on the southside in the 60s, played with Sun Ra, and gave future members of Earth, Wind & Fire and Miles Davis's 70s bands their start in his groundbreaking Artistic Heritage Ensemble. Cohran will be playing with a full ensemble for this special show at 9pm.

Upcoming:
------------
8/17--DJ-ing the Whistler w/Amanda Parris
8/18--Solo set at Cafe Mustache, w/Janina Angel Bath/Hands of Hydra and The Humminbird
8/24--DJ-ing the Hideout for HAIR afterparty
8/25--Caricatures in Logan Square for Summer Sessions
8/26--Plastic Crimewave Syndicate does Hawkwind tribute at the Whistler
9/3--Plastic Crimewave Syndicate w/DBLBBQ, Flux Bikes and Mimi Von Schnitzl (Louisville) at Empty Bottle
9/8--Solar Fox at Pan Y Rosas showcase at the Hideout
9/14--PCWVCGuitarkestra at Hideout Block Party
9/22--Caricatures in Logan Square for Summer Sessions
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News 6/14/12:
-------------------
I have copies of the new Galactic Zoo Dossier Magazine! Yes, after three years the ‘hand-drawn psychedelic bible’ is back, leaving no stone unturned in the quest for mind-blowin' illumination. Galactic Zoo Dossier #9 has over 100 pages on overlooked freak rock bands, heady comics and populist pop-psych.
Contributors include creator Plastic Crimewave, Byron Coley (The Wire), Eric Colin (Ugly Things / Shindig), Avi Spivak (Human Being Lawnmower) and Scott Wilkinson (Ugly Things, Endless Trip).
Contains Interviews with Arthur Brown, Black Widow, Poppy Family, Rodriguez and Mark Fry. Features on Egg & East Of Eden, Collectors & Folklords, Curtis Knight, John Berberian, Psyched Archie & Mad, Kirby, Texas psych scene, Kak, Moody Blues, White Witch.
Trading cards of damaged guitar gods and astral folk maidens, in full colour. The CD compilation contains unreleased and mind-frying sounds by Mainliner, Secret Syde, Ultima Thule, Mark Fry, Daze Of Night and The Light Company, amongst others.
The unofficial release party is this Friday at the Burlington (see below) I'll have copies for sale!

My UK trip next month has taken shape!
----------------------------------------------
July 2-5--Painting a mural on a van in Dorset!?
July 7--Playing Lushfest in Poole
July 12--Instore at Gosh Comics in London
July 15--Solo gig at The Musician in Leicester
July 18--Instore at Kristina Records in Dalston
July 20--Instore at Rough Trade East Records in London
and
DJ-ing the Alibi with Cherrystones at the Alibi in London

This Week:
--------------
Fri. June 15-
Don't miss the debut of my new trio at the Burlington---The Plastic Crimewave Syndicate! Should be a mind-flaying night, as Dark Fog and Knoxville's surf/psychsters The Mutations are kickin it too...we go on first at 9:30...and I will have pre-release copies of the Galactic Zoo Dossier #9 for sale!

Sat. June 16-17--
I'll be exhibiting/hanging out/caricaturing at a table at Chicago Alternative Comics Expo, Columbia College's Ludington Building, 1104 S Wabash, Chicago, Illinois, Saturday & Sunday 11am - 6pm
www.cakechicago.com

Upcoming:
------------
6/19--GZD #9 streetdate!
6/20--DJ-ing Rodan for Tyranny and Mutation series
6/22--DJ-ing Mod Chicago 10th anniv.
6/23--Caricatures in Logan Square for Summer Sessions
6/25--Caricatures at Empty Bottle w/Chandeliers
6/30--PCW/Winters in Osaka LP release show at the Burlington
7/1--7/20-ish--UK adventure- muraling/playing/DJ-ing/GZD promoting experience
7/28--Caricatures in Logan Square for Summer Sessions
and solo gig at Cafe Mustache
8/11--SHoCM concert series at the Hideout w/Phil Cohran
8/17--DJ-ing the Whistler w/Amanda Parris
8/18--Solo set at Cafe Mustache, w/Janina Angel Bath/Hands of Hydra and The Humminbird
8/24--DJ-ing the Hideout for HAIR afterparty
8/25--Caricatures in Logan Square for Summer Sessions
8/26--Plastic Crimewave Syndicate does Hawkwind tribute at the Whistler
9/3--Plastic Crimewave Syndicate w/DBLBBQ, Flux Bikes and Mimi Von Schnitzl at Empty Bottle
9/8--Solar Fox at Pan Y Rosas showcase
9/14--PCWVCGuitarkestra at Hideout Block Party
9/22--Caricatures in Logan Square for Summer Sessions
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News 6/7/12:
------------------
You may all now address me as Uncle Crimewave, as my nephew Oren Asher Krakow was born at 9:32 Wed. morn weighing in at 7 pounds! Yes now I can pass on toys and comics to someone now...whew....

Soul/Jazz god/originator/legend Brother Phil Cohran just confirmed for my next Secret History of Chicago Music concert series at The Hideout August 11! I did my VERY FIRST strip/column in 2004 on Brother Phil and I believe he is 83 yrs old now and still spry!

I guess the Iron and Wine 45 i drew the art for is ready, yes "2 sides of George", as in Michael and Lowell G. of Little Feat--Hopefully I'll have some copies of this soon. Fancy gold vinyl n shit....

Speaking of gold vinyl, I should have copies of the Djin Aquarian/Plastic Crimewave Sound LP "Save the World" any day now, it too is gold vinyl and has a fancy gatefold sleeve!

2 pages to go on my Lush comic book project! whew...

This Week:
-------------
Fri. 8--
The next official installment of the radio version of the 'Secret History of Chicago Music' will air in the evening at 11-ish pm central time on WGN 720AM on the Nick Digilio show.
For this segment we will be playing the music of and talking with Dean Milano, man of a thousand bands and chicago music historian as well.
You outta-towners can catch the webcast/stream deal at:
http://wgnradio.com/listen/index.htm
strips are archived on-line at:
http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/secrethistor
radio shows are archived at:
http://wgnradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=297&Itemid=543
and don't forget the strips are archived here too...
www.plasticcrimewave.com

Sat.9--
Moonrises @ Sausagefest fundraiser for Revenge! Brewing at ECO, 2042 W 21st St. in Pilsen, also with Killer Moon, Toupee, Sweet Cobra, etc. Vegan Sausages and microbrews will abound! We play at 10:30.
http://revengebrewing.com/

Mon.11--
Solar Fox at Hungry Brain w/The Humminbird and Johnny Young, we go on last, show at 9pm

Tues.12--
I'll be playing guitar with Man Forever @ The Burlington, Man Forever is the project of Kid Millions of NY space-chooglers Oneida, now on Thrill Jockey, and an all-star line-up of folks like Seth Sher and Michael Zerang will kick it...Brokeback and Bitchin Bajas open, show starts at 9:30pm.

Upcoming:
------------
6/15--Dark Fog, PCWSyndicate and Mutations (Knoxville) at the Burlington
6/16-17--Table at Chicago Alternative Comics Expo, Columbia College's Ludington Building
6/19--GZD #9 hits!
6/20--DJ-ing Rodan for Tyranny and Mutation series
6/22--DJ-ing Mod Chicago 10th anniv.
6/23--Caricatures in Logan Square for Summer Sessions
6/25--Caricatures at Empty Bottle w/Chandeliers
6/30--PCW/Winters in Osaka LP release show at the Burlington
7/1--7/20-ish--UK adventure- muraling/playing/DJ-ing/GZD promoting experience
7/28--Caricatures in Logan Square for Summer Sessions
8/2--DJ-ing the Rainbo
8/11--SHoCM concert series at the Hideout w/Phil Cohran
8/17--DJ-ing the Whistler
8/18--Solo set w/Janina Angel Bath/Hands of Hydra and The Humminbird @ Cafe Mustache
8/24--DJ-ing the Hideout for HAIR afterparty
8/25--Caricatures in Logan Square for Summer Sessions
8/26--Plastic Crimewave Syndicate does Hawkwind tribute at the Whistler
9/3--PCWSyndicate @Empty Bottle Free Monday
9/8--Pan Y Rosas showcase plus DJ afterpparty
9/14--PCWVCGuitarkestra at Hideout Block Party
9/22--Caricatures in Logan Square for Summer Sessions
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News 5/12:
---------------
I had a wonderful time in Poole, Dorset, England-- and got a startling amount accomplished. The Lush/Gorilla Perfumes comic book has swelled to 16 pages, and I will painting up an entire van on my return visit in July, as well as playing LUSHfest with some fine musical company! Of course heavy records were scored and magickal sites visited, as well as the lovely formerly-pirate-ridden seashore and great times with my host Matt Shaw.

A few other recent exciting art jobs:
Cover for Angel Olsen's upcoming album
Dr.John/Iron and Wine at Ravinia poster
Cover for Winters In Osaka/Plastic Crimewave collaborative LP

Super-stoked for the Hawkwind tribute night Plastic Crimewave Syndicate will be doing at the Whistler Aug.26 for their covers series, we have a sweet line-up set, including Bruce Lamont as Nik Turner, Chris Connelly as Michael Moorcock, Hands of Hydra as Del Dettmar, and Tracy Trouble as Stacia!
Does anyone have sweet lights/lasers they can work hard? Or want to build a Space Ritual-esque stage prop? We want this shit monumental!

Stoked for a new solo PCW 45 that will be coming out on a new imprint for the Nuts and Bolts blog/podcast--a few unreleased gems from like 1999!

Moonrises has a Facebook page now--woo woooo...like us and shit at:
http://www.facebook.com/Moonriseschicago

A release date of 10/16 has been set for my next GZDisk LP release, unreleased material by the ISB-inspired UK folk group Tony, Caro and John, entitled "Blue Clouds." GZD mag #9 is also on the way!!!

Comin' Up:
-------------
Fri. 18--
The next official installment of the radio version of the 'Secret History of Chicago Music' will air in the evening at 11-ish pm central time on WGN 720AM on the Nick Digilio show.
For this segment we will be playing and talking about a couple of authentic weirdos: hiccup-y New Waver Wazmo Nariz, and novelty blues/soul-man T.Valentine.
You outta-towners can catch the webcast/stream deal at:
http://wgnradio.com/listen/index.htm
strips are archived on-line at:
http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/secrethistor
radio shows are archived at:
http://wgnradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=297&Itemid=543
and don't forget the strips are archived here too...
www.plasticcrimewave.com

Sat.19--
Hooray, my second Secret History of Chicago Music concert series at the Hideout, featuring a rare performance 70s electonics pioneer Bil Vermette, whose tangerine Dream/Cluster-inspired sounds continue to dazzle. Opening is synth-horror soundtrackers Mr.666 and delirious electro-popsters Chandeliers, starting at 9:30pm.See ad in this week's Reader.

Wed.23--
Dj-ing Rodan for Velcro Lewis's heavy Tyranny and Mutation series, debuting a lot of new sweet 45s scored overseas, YEAH!!! 10pm-close.

Upcoming:
------------
6/9--Moonrises @ Sausagefest fundraiser for Revenge! Brewing at ECO in Pilsen, also with Killer Moon, Toupee, Sweet Cobra, etc
6/11--Solar Fox at Hungry Brain w/Humminbirds and Johnny Young
6/12--Playing with Man Forever @ The Burlington
6/15--Dark Fog, PCWSyndicate and Mutations (Knoxville) at the Burlington
6/16-17--Table at Chicago Alternative Comics Expo, Columbia College's Ludington Building
6/19--GZD #9 hits!
6/22--DJ-ing Mod Chicago 10th anniv.
6/23--Caricatures in Logan Square for Summer Sessions
7/7--7/20-ish--Overseas playing/DJ-ing/GZD promoting experience
7/28--Caricatures in Logan Square for Summer Sessions
8/24--DJ-ing the Hideout for HAIR afterparty
8/25--Caricatures in Logan Square for Summer Sessions
8/26--Hawkwind tribute at the Whistler
9/15--PCWVCGuitarkestra at Hideout Block Party
9/22--Caricatures in Logan Square for Summer Sessions

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News 4/30/12:
-------------------
Hey thanks to all who made last week's PCWVCGuitarkestra at the MCA a lot of devotional fun, the superstar line-up was a bit smaller than usual (about 20 peeps) but it really swung and was one of the better sounding/grooving Guitarkestras! Thanks to folks like Travis and P.Michael of ONO, Aleks of Magic Key, Velcro Lewis, Ms. Libby of Moonrises, Tom Szidon of the Married Men, Karissa of Strychnine, Hands of Hydra, etc

Test pressing approved for an album 3 years in the making, Djin Aquarian and Plastic Crimewave Sound "Save The World," coming out soon on Prophase records! We take on a few old skool Ya Ho Wha 13 jams and conjure a few new odes that Father Yod would've smiled upon. And wait to you see the black-light friendly gatefold! This will also be the last PCWS LP with the core line-up of Lux, Skog and Crimewave.

Moonrises southern/midwest mini-tour with Bloomington's Open Sex starts this Thurs! Tell yer pals.
5/3--St.Louis, MO--Cranky Yellow, 2847 Cherokee Street w/Open Sex
5/4--Lafayette, IN-- Foam City, 407 N Third St, w/Open Sex
5/5--Bloomington, IN--Magnetic South, 1305 S. Madison St., w/Cave, Open Sex
5/6--Louisville, KY--Harley's, 122 W Main St w/Tropical Trash, Open Sex
5/7--Moonrises w/PG6, Spires That in the Sunset Rise and Open Sex at Empty Bottle

Ok since Plastic Crimewave Sound is on a bit of a hiatus, I can announce a new trio known as Plastic Crimewave Syndicate, featuring Anjru Kettering (Great Society Mind Destroyers, Strychnine) on bass throb and Karissa Talanisan (Strychnine) on kit attack. Expect the usual psychedelic scree, with some new dynamics and groovy groovings. Our first gig is June 15 at the Burlington w/Dark Fog and the Mutations (Knoxville), and we will be doing a Hawkwind tribute at the Whistler for their cover-up series Aug.26, featuring some special guests!

This Week:
--------------
4/30--Caricaturing at Empty Bottle 9:30-close, w/Heavy Times and Rabble Rabble
5/3--5/6-Moonrises mini-tour (see above)
5/7--Moonrises w/PG6, Spires That in the Sunset Rise and Open Sex at Empty bottle, FREE show!

Upcoming:
------------
5/12--5/16--Dorset, England trip
5/19--SHoCM concert series at the Hideout w/Bil Vermette, Chandeliers and Mr.666
5/23--DJ-ing Rodan for Tyranny and Mutation series?
6/9--Moonrises @ Sausagefest fundraiser for Revenge! Brewing at ECO in Pilsen, also with Killer Moon, Toupee, Sweet Cobra, etc
6/15--Dark Fog, PCWS and Mutations (Knoxville) at the Burlington
6/19--GZD #9 hits!
6/23--Caricatures in Logan Square for Summer Sessions
7/7--7/27-ish--UK/Portugal tour/GZD promotion experience!
7/28--Caricatures in Logan Square for Summer Sessions?
8/25--Caricatures in Logan Square for Summer Sessions
8/26--Hawkwind tribute at the Whistler
9/22--Caricatures in Logan Square for Summer Sessions

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News 4/3/12:
-----------------
Work has begun on my next Galactic Zoo Disk/Drag City release, Tony, Caro and John's "Blue Flowers"--a joint release with curator Antony Lambright's label Gaarden. This is some sublime totally-unreleased material by some Incredible String band-indebted gentle/ragged UK acid-folksters, and their "All on the First Day" LP (reissued by Shadoks, then Gaarden) is a stone cold classic. Dr. Strangely Strange, Forest, and Sun Also Rises fans take note!

Poole, England trip booked for May 12-16, for Lush Cosmetics graphic novel project...!

Galactic Zoo Dossier #9 is almost ready to go to the printers, due to drop June 19!

Reminder to budding drone guitarists--Plastic Crimewave Vision Celestial Guitarkestra at the MCA April 24!! We need ya there by 6pm.

This Week:
-------------
Friday April 6--
Extremely excited for this release party at the Hideout for my label's latest LP by Oud/guitar god Sandy Bull--a rare live concert from 1976, co-released with Drag City. We will be screening the underground Sandy documentary made by his daughter Cassandra Bull, "No Depsosit, No Return Blues" (at 10pm) and there will be Sandy-indebted performances by Matthew Hale Clark (of White/Light)/Frank Rosaly, Tortoise's Jeff Parker, and Drag City DJs Fish n' Chips will kick it-- and there will be LPs for sale! See Bill Meyer's nice write up in the Reader here: http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/ArticleArchives?tag=Sandy+Bull
I leave for tour the next day too, so come say howdy...

...and tell yer east coast mindmelting pals:
April 7-12--Moonrises east coast tour:
---------------------------------------------
Sat. April 7--Cleveland, Now That's Class, w/Terminal Lovers, Organs, and Dream Beings (Damon of Puffy Areolas)
Sun. April 8--Pittsburgh, Cafe Fe', 4102 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA
Mon. April 9--New Haven, 756 Chapel St. (art space), w/Ham Radio Operator, DJ Jahoctopus, 8:30pm
Tues. Apr. 10--Boston, Whitehaus-10 Seaverns Ave, Jamaica Plain MA 02130
Wed. April 11--Brooklyn, Public Assembly, 70 North 6th Street Brooklyn, NY, with Man Forever, Gary Higgins and Pterodactyl.
Thurs. April 12--Philadelphia, JRs Bar, 2327 S Croskey St Philadelphia, PA, w/Curanderos

Upcoming:
------------
4/14-15--CHIRP record fair, caricaturing 12-5 both days, DJ-ing 2-3pm on Sun.
4/18--DJ-ing at Lokal
4/20--DJ-ing the Whistler w/Ms.Libby
4/21--Caricaturing for Record Store Day at Reckless Records WP
4/24--PCWVC Guitarkestra at the MCA
4/25--DJ-ing Rodan for "Tyranny and Mutation"
5/3-5/6--Moonrises southern jaunt
St.Louis, MO--Cranky Yellow, 2847 Cherokee Street w/Open Sex
Lafayette, IN-- Foam City, 407 N Third St , w/Open Sex
Bloomington, IN--Magnetic South, 1305 S. Madison St., w/Cave, Open Sex
Louisville, KY--Harley's, 122 W Main St w/Tropical Trash, Open Sex
5/7--Moonrises w/PG6, Spires That in the Sunset Rise and Open Sex at Empty bottle
5/12-5/16--Dorset, England trip
5/19--SHoCM concert series at the Hideout w/Bil Vermette, Chandeliers and Mr.666
6/9--Moonrises @ Sausagefest fundraiser for Revenge! Brewing at ECO in Pilsen, also with Killer Moon, Toupee, Sweet Cobra, etc
6/15--PCW, Dark Fog and Mutations (Knoxville) at the Burlington
6/19--GZD #9 hits!
6/23--Caricatures in Logan Square for Summer Sessions
7/7--7/28-ish--UK/Portugal tour/GZD promotion experience!
7/28--Caricatures in Logan Square for Summer Sessions?
8/25--Caricatures in Logan Square for Summer Sessions
9/22--Caricatures in Logan Square for Summer Sessions
8/26-Hawkwind tribute at the Whistler

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News 3/22/12:
-------------------
Ok, it's officially out, so I can sell a few copies of "Sandy Bull and the Rhythm Ace Live 1976" on my Galactic Zoo Disk imprint on Drag City. Oud/guitar god Sandy Bull was a soulful innovator that seamlessly blended raga, classical, folk, etc. and this excellently recorded concert captures him expanding further with a drum machine and pre-recorded tracks live! Contact me for details.

Things are looking great for an overseas experience supreme in July, I'll be promoting my new Galactic Zoo Dossier magazine (#9) and planning some events with Drag City for that, but also playing a festival in Poole, England July 7-8, touring the UK from 10-17, DJ-ing in London the 19th, and then playing a festival in Portugal the 20-22, with other events planned...yay! More details forthcoming...

Another reminder about the next Plastic Crimewave Vision Celestial Guitarkestra at the MCA on April 24. Yes, here's your chance to play at the MCA and lift the building off its foundations with "E" guitar drone power. Come one, come all, let's communally and ecstatically rock! We need folks of all playing styles (from no experience at all to accomplished) to bring their own guitars, cords, and small amps, to be the MCA by 6pm. I will loosely conduct the sonic ceremony in the key of "E" from 6:30-7pm. All ages can play and attend (but maybe bring earplugs for the kids...or don't)

This Week:
-------------
Sat. 24--
Sure, there's a lot of shows this Saturday, but how many bands are coming all the way from Australia? Yup, gnarly noise-blues-punkers from down under Electric Jellyfish kick it at the Burlington with Moonrises (headlining) and Brain Idea (opening) at 9pm. Moonrises might even play a few new tunes that we've been recording.

Tues. 27--
Solar Fox (space duo of PCW and Ms. Libby) plays our first gig in a while, with Rhyton (Dave from D.Charles Speer & No Neck) & Turn To Crime (Derek from Awesome Color) at the Burlington, 9pm

Upcoming--
------------
4/6--Sandy Bull LP release party w/Jeff Parker, Matt Clark/Frank Rosaly, Drag City DJs, and film screening at the Hideout
4/7--4/12--Moonrises east coast tour:
Sat. April 7--Cleveland, Now That's Class, w/Terminal Lovers, Organs, and Dream Beings (Damon of Puffy Areolas)
Sun. April 8--Pittsburgh, Cafe Fe', 4102 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA
Mon. April 9--New Haven, 756 Chapel St. (art space), w/Ham Radio Operator, DJ Jahoctopus, 8:30pm
Tues. Apr. 10--Boston, Whitehaus-10 Seaverns Ave, Jamaica Plain MA 02130
Wed. April 11--Brooklyn, Public Assembly, 70 North 6th Street Brooklyn, NY, with Man Forever, Gary Higgins and Pterodactyl.
Thurs. April 12--Philadelphia, JRs Bar, 2327 S Croskey St Philadelphia, PA, w/Curanderos
4/14-15--CHIRP record fair, caricaturing 12-5 both days, DJ 2-3pm on Sun.
4/18--DJ-ing at Lokal
4/20--DJ-ing the Whistler w/Ms.Libby
4/21--Caricaturing for Record Store Day at Reckless Records WP
4/24--PCWVC Guitarkestra at the MCA
4/25--DJ-ing Rodan for "Tyranny and Mutation"
5/3-5/6--Moonrises southern jaunt
5/7--Moonrises w/PG6, Spires That in the Sunset Rise and Open Sex at Empty bottle
5/19--SHoCM concert series at the Hideout w/Bil Vermette, Chandeliers and Mr.666
6/19--GZD #9 hits!
7/8-7/2?--UK/Portugal tour/GZD promotion experience!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News 3/12/12:
-------------------
Incredibly stoked to have finally gripped an LP nearly 3 years in the making (well, actually about 35 years) "Sandy Bull and the Rhythm Ace Live 1976" on my Galactic Zoo Disk imprint on Drag City. It is an honor to release this seminal artist of the highest order, Oud/guitar god Sandy Bull was a soulful innovator that seamlessly blended raga, classical, folk, etc. They won't be in stores for a few weeks, but it is well worth the wait! Major thanks to Sandy's widow Candy, daughter KC and the masterful show-recorder and liner-notes writer Hillel Resner.
http://www.dragcity.com/news/517

June 19 is the date set for Galactic Zoo Dossier #9 to hit, another project about 2 1/2 years in the making! Particularly excited for the interviews with Arthur Brown, Rodriguez, Black Widow, Poppy Family, plus Prog Freaks, Psychedelicanada and bizarre comics features, and great contributions form Byron Coley, Avi Spivak, Leslie Stein, Sir Colin, Jeremy Esq., Ms. Libby...well, all my pals really.

This new Chicagoan mag is selling like hotcakes I hear, and I am proud to have a 2 page spread illustration/interview with The Little Boy Blues' Jimmy Boyce in this surely historic first issue. A new venture from Stop Smiling's JC Gabel, The Chicagoan is like phonebook-sized and will make you recall when the New Yorker was actually good, and you wished Chicago had a magazine like that.
http://timeoutchicago.com/arts-culture/chicago-media-blog/15116763/introducing-the-chicagoan-a-bold-new-vision-in-print

Just a reminder about the next Plastic Crimewave Vision Celestial Guitarkestra will be at the MCA on April 24. Yes, here's your chance to play at the MCA and lift the building off its foundations with "E" guitar drone power. Come one, come all, let's communally and ecstatically rock! We need folks of all playing styles (from no experience at all to accomplished) to bring their own guitars, cords, and small amps, to be the MCA by 6pm. I will loosely conduct the sonic ceremony in the key of "E" from 6:30-7pm. All ages can play and attend (but maybe bring earplugs for the kids...or don't)

Just finished art jobs:
52 "Dictators and Despots" for hardcover book due next year from Skyhorse press.
Iron and Wine 45, 2 covers of 2 Georges, Lowell G. of Little Feat and G. Michael, yes as in Wham...it was oddly fun to draw both!
2 page spread for Human Being Lawnmower mag from NY.

Wow, this seems too good to be true, but I'll be in the UK twice this year! I'll be going over for almost a week in May to confer about/research an art job for Lush Cosmetics (all-natural good-smellin' stuff folks), and then I'll be back in July to play a festival and tour (details forthcoming) and events supporting my new mag's release.
Oh...and anyone gots Roy Wood's contact info? PLEASE?

Speaking of tours, Moonrises east coast tour is actually lookin good, despite a few lingering holes:
Sat. April 7--Cleveland, Now That's Class, with Terminal Lovers, Organs, and Dream Beings (Damon of Puffy Areolas)
Sun. April 8--Baltimore or Pittsburgh (HELP!)
Mon. April 9--New Haven, 756 Chapel
Tues. Apr. 10--Boston
Wed. April 11--Brooklyn, Public Assembly, with Man Forever, Gary Higgins and Pterodactyl.
Thurs. April 12--Philadelphia, JRs
Fri. April 13--Oberlin
...and another small jaunt is in the works for the near-south in early May

Moonrises has also been tracking a new album with Brian Sulpizio of Health and Beauty.

I'm back at Rodan once a month, DJ-ing Wednesdays as part of the Velcro Lewis's heavy "Tyranny and Mutation" series...

This Week:
-------------
3/14--
DJ-ing heavy psyched sounds at at Rodan for Velcro Lewis's "Tyranny and Mutation" series, 10pm til close
3/16--
DJ-ing the Whistler w/Amanda Parris 9:30pm-close, probably focusing on electropunk and proto-metal...
3/17--
Hooray, my first Secret History of Chicago Music concert series at the Hideout, with the original avant noise-gospel gods ONO, who tore it up at Naked Raygun concerts in the 80s and at art spaces to this very day. Also featuring decade-old wyrd-folksters Spires That in the Sunset Rise, and devotional improv duo Pandava, starting at 10pm. Plus I DJ the dance after-party 12-3am w/Miss Libby, with some largely Chicago-centric soul, funk and disco.

Upcoming:
------------
3/23--SHoCM radio show 11pm on WGN
3/24--Moonrises w/Electric Jellyfish and Brain Idea at the Burlington
3/27--Solar Fox with Rhyton (Dave from D.Charles Speer & No Neck) & Turn To Crime (Derek from Awesome Color) at the Burlington
4/6--Sandy Bull LP release party w/Jeff Parker, Matt Clark/Frank Rosaly, Drag City DJs, and film screening at the Hideout
4/7-4/13--Moonrises east coast tour
4/15--CHIRP record fair, DJ 2-3pm and caricatures at 12-2, 3-5pm
4/18--DJ-ing at Lokal
4/20--DJ-ing the Whistler w/Ms.Libby
4/21--Caricaturing for Record Store Day at Reckless Records WP
4/24--PCWVC Guitarkestra at the MCA
4/25--DJ-ing Rodan for "Tyranny and Mutation"
5/3-5/6--Moonrises southern jaunt
5/7--Moonrises w/PG6, Spires That in the Sunset Rise and Open Sex at Empty bottle
5/19--SHoCM concert series at the Hideout w/Bil Vermette, Chandeliers and Mr.666
6/19--GZD #9 hits!
7/8-7/2?--UK/Portugal tour/GZD promotion experience!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News 1/10/12:
-------------------
Very excited to announce that the next Plastic Crimewave Vision Celestial Guitarkestra will be at the MCA on April 24. So yes, here's your chance to play at the MCA and lift the building off its foundations with "E" guitar drone power. Come one, come all, let's communally and ecstatically rock!

Wow, this is the most epic interview with me ever, beating out this Belgian zine guy (narrowly). This took like a year to do somehow, thanks to master-interviewer Keith Helt.
http://flotationdevice.wordpress.com/

The test pressings are in for the Sandy Bull live album on my label imprint with Drag City, and it sounds soooooooooo good.

Moonrises is now just extremely proactive, we have a Soundcloud page up:
http://soundcloud.com/moonrises
We also posted 3 songs on youtube from a performance at the Knitting Factory last April:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKGBBPoo7N4

This Weekend/Next Week:
-------------------------------
Fri. 13--
The next official installment of the radio version of the 'Secret History of Chicago Music' will air in the evening at 11pm central time on WGN 720AM on the Nick Digilio show.
For this segment we will be playing and talking to/about obscure Deerfield space-proggers Graced Lightning, and have guests Joan and Gary Gand on from the band!.
You outta-towners can catch the webcast/stream deal at:
http://wgnradio.com/listen/index.htm
and strips are archived on-line at:
http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/secrethistor
and the radio shows are archived at:
http://wgnradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=297&Itemid=543
and don't forget the strips are archived here too...
www.plasticcrimewave.com

Mon.16--
Moonrises LP/Cassette release show at Empty bottle, we will have a VERY limited 25-copy first pressing of our LP (on different paper stock than the full run) on Galactic Archive/Logan Hardware, and the cassette version on the awesome Priority Male label. Joining us are 2 of our fave Chicago bands, tranceprog jammers Wume and legendary wreckers of civilization, ONO!
Lunar cycles predestine this to be a great night.

Wed.18--
DJ-ing Rodan w/Nick D'vyne (of acid-garage toughs Vee Dee) and Thee Iryn Maidyn Amanda Parris, spinning thee hard, heavy and fuzzed sounds of your tortured soul from 10pm-1:30am

Fri. 20, Sat. 21--
3rd Annual Chicago Psychfest, "Third Eye Visions," at the Hideout, both nights start at 7pm,
Yes, the classic line-up of Plastic Crimewave Sound is kickin it Saturday with Mark Lux, Lawrence Peters, Nick D'Vyne, Hands Of Hydra and Lord Ortmann--could it be for the last time? Who knows.
The rest of the fest is bangin' too:

Friday: Saturday:
Cave Dark Fog
Bil Vermette Classic Crimewave Sound
Velcro Lewis Group Rabble Rabble
Killer Moon Verma
Strychnine Red Plastic Buddha
DJ Psychedalex DJ Eric Colin

Upcoming:
------------
1/24--Caricaturing at Empty Bottle w/Tortoise (maybe)
2/4--Moonrises w/Cool Memories, Bad Indians (MI) and Heavy Times @1542 N.Milwaukee
2/6--Caricaturing @ Empty Bottle w/Radar Eyes
2/14--Caricaturing @ Empty Bottle w/Tyler John Tyler
2/17--DJ-ing the Whistler 9:30pm
2/19--Caricaturing @ Empty Bottle for synth/chili cook-off!
3/5--Caricaturing @ Empty Bottle w/Wet Hair/Psychedelic Horseshit
3/10-11--Caricaturing @ Empty Bottle for Sausagefest
3/14--DJ-ing at Rodan for "Tyranny and Mutation" series
3/15--Caricaturing @ Empty Bottle w/Frustrations
3/16--DJ-ing the Whistler w/Amanda Parris 9:30pm
3/17--SHoCM series at the Hideout w/ONO, plus DJ dance afterparty 12-3am w/Miss Libby
3/24--Moonrises w/Electric Jellyfish and Brain Idea at the Burlington
3/27--Solar Fox at the Burlington
4/6--Sandy Bull LP release party w/Jeff Parker/Matt Clark/Frank Rosaly/DJs/film at the Hideout
4/7-4/13--Moonrises east coast tour
4/21--Caricaturing for Record Store Day at Reckless Records WP
4/24--PCWVC Guitarkestra at the MCA
5/7--Moonrises w/PG6, Spires and Open Sex at Empty bottle
7/7-7/?-UK tour!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News 12/13/11:
--------------------
Thanks to all who came out and made the Rocket From The Tombs show one of the best and most fun of my whole life! A packed house, and got to play/hang w/my heroes (and get my records signed like a nerd). I wish every show could be as bangin'!

OK last I will bug y'all about subscriptions to my Galactic Zoo Mix Tape Club for 2012! Yes, you get a sweet 90 min. mix-tape mailed to you every other month for a year, with exclusive artwork and musical rarities galore, from psychedelia to glam, post-punk, hard rock, cosmic folk, heady prog, stoney soul, japanese acid rock, etc. only $40, $60 overseas. First tape hits end of Dec., and this makes a FINE holiday gift! I accept paypal at this e.mail, or checks to Steve Krakow, 1061 N.Western Ave., Chicago, Il 60622. Join thee fun!

Galactic Zoo Dossier #9 was turned into Drag City yesterday -- yahoo! 2 1/2 years of work...yeesh.

Also saw exclusive photo options for the Sandy Bull 1976 live LP on Galactic Zoo Disk/Drag City, some breathtaking shots....

This Week:
--------------
Fri. Dec.16--
Solar Fox will be doing a special performance at Saki at 6pm along with Cinchel, where we will be playing along to compiled NASA films of outer space (prepared by Cinchel's Jason Shanley)--this is really our dream playing scenario! Don't miss this once-in-a cosmic-lifetime FREE event.

and later that eve....

the next official installment of the radio version of the 'Secret History of Chicago Music' will air in the evening at midnight central time on WGN 720AM on the Nick Digilio show.
For this segment we will be catching up on world's fastest jazz drummer Barrett Deems and romantic loner-folker O.W.L. (Of Wondrous Legends)
You outta-towners can catch the webcast/stream deal at:
http://wgnradio.com/listen/index.htm
and strips are archived on-line at:
http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/secrethistor
and the radio shows are archived at:
http://wgnradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=297&Itemid=543
and don't forget the strips are archived here too...
www.plasticcrimewave.com

Upcoming:
------------
1/2--Caricaturing at Empty Bottle w/Mines
1/7--DJ-ing the Whistler w/Ms. Libby
1/9--Caricaturing at Empty Bottle w/English Softhearts
1/16--Moonrises release show at Empty bottle w/Wume and ONO
1/18--DJ-ing Rodan w/Nick D'vyne
1/20-21--Chicago Psychfest at the Hideout
1/24--Caricaturing at Empty Bottle w/Tortoise (maybe)
2/4--Moonrises w/Cool Memories, Bad Indians and Heavy Times @1542 N.Milwaukee
3/24--Moonrises and Electric Jellyfish at the Burlington
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News 12/5/11:
-------------------
I am still accepting subscriptions to my Galactic Zoo Mix Tape Club for 2012! Yes, you get a sweet 90 min. mix-tape mailed to you every other month for a year, with exclusive artwork and musical rarities galore, from psychedelia to glam, post-punk, hard rock, cosmic folk, heady prog, stoney soul, japanese acid rock, etc. only $40, $60 overseas. First tape hits end of Dec., and this makes a FINE holiday gift! I accept paypal at this e.mail, or checks to Steve Krakow, 1061 N.Western Ave., Chicago, Il 60622. Join thee fun!

Galactic Zoo Dossier #9 will be turned into Drag City this week-- yahoo! Anticipate a Spring release!

A March release date has been set for the Sandy Bull 1976 live LP on Galactic Zoo Disk/Drag City!

This Week:
--------------

Wed. Nov.7--
Super-thrilled to have the OG lineup of Plastic Crimewave Sound (Lux, Nick, Ortmann, Peters) opening for one of my fave bands of all time, Rocket From The Tombs (Cleveland proto-punk gods, pre-Pere Ubu and The Dead Boys) at Empty Bottle, c'mon out, could be a once in a lifetime chance, folks! 9:30pm show, the Warm Ones open.

Fri. Nov.9--
I'm doing a solo space-banjo set Friday the 9th at the Hideout opening for ethereal/weirdo folk queen Josephine Foster, not to mention the Nashville genius John Allingham of the Cherry Blossoms, and Cian Nugent. 10pm.

Upcoming:
------------
12/16--Solar Fox w/Cinchel at Saki Records, 6pm (plus SHoCM radio show)
1/7--DJ-ing the Whistler
1/16--Moonrises LP release show at Empty bottle w/Wume and ONO
1/18--DJ-ing Rodan
1/20-21--Chicago Psychfest at the Hideout
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News 11/14/11:
--------------------
Its been a rough few weeks since I got back from California (a nasty flu, a bout of major poverty, etc) but things are looking way up, and i had an awesome time out west playing shows and jamming with Djin Aquarian, Mike from Thee Oh Sees, Ian Knox, Jimi Hey, Janina Angel Bath and David Jasso. DJ-ing a few times with Jimi and Frankie Delmane was great too, as was seeing many old pals, the warm weather, and scoring some swell records, of course. Even a stolen guitar from the LA show was found the next day! Wow.

I am now accepting subscriptions to my Galactic Zoo Mix Tape Club for 2012! Yes, you get a sweet 90 min. mix-tape mailed to you every other month for a year, with exclusive artwork and musical rarities galore, from psychedelia to glam, post-punk, hard rock, cosmic folk, heady prog, stoney soul, japanese acid rock, etc. only $40, $60 overseas. First tape hits end of Dec., and this makes a FINE holiday gift! I accept paypal at this e.mail, or checks to Steve Krakow, 1061 N.Western Ave., Chicago, Il 60622. Join thee fun!

The "classic line-up" of Plastic Crimewave Sound, including Nick D'vyne, Mark Lux and Andy Ortmann will be playing with one of my favorite bands of all time! Yes, on Dec. 7 at Empty Bottle we will be opening for Rocket From The Tombs--the proto-punk, pre-Pere Ubu/Dead Boys group featuring David Thomas and Cheetah Chrome, not to mention Richard LLoyd of Televsion filling in for the late mad genius Peter Laughner. Pinch ME!!!!!!! Unbelievably stoked.

The line-up is finally set for Chicago Psych Fest 3, "Third Eye Visions," January 20-21 at the Hideout:
Friday Saturday
Cave Dark Fog
Bil Vermette Classic Crimewave Sound
Velcro Lewis Group Rabble Rabble
Killer Moon Verma
Strychnine Red Plastic Buddha
DJ Psychedalex DJ Eric Colin

Solar Fox will be doing a special performance at Saki Fri. Dec. 16 along with Cinchel, where we will be playing along to compiled NASA films of outer space (prepared by Cinchel'sJason Shanley)--this is really our dream playing scenario! Don't miss this once-in-a cosmic-lifetime event.

I just signed a contract with Skyhorse books to do illustrations for a hardcover book on "Dictators and Despots." I will be drawing 52 evil tyrannical suckers this winter.

The Moonrises Lp for Galactic Archives/Logan Hardware label was mastered for vinyl this last weekend by Todd Rittman (Cheer Accident, Dead Rider, US Maple), and the cassette version on Priority Male is due shortly! We also have buttons now--woo woooo

On Dec. 5, I will be interviewing the one and only Jane Birkin, French-come-British model, singer, actress and Serge Gainsbourg's better half!! Yow!

Galactic Zoo Dossier #9 is being wrapped up to be turned in this month for scanning/printing/assembling, for a Spring 2012 release date.

This Week:
-------------
Wed. 16--
A night of psychedelic rock at The Whistler! Androgynous Mustache performs live as the 13th Floor Elevators (doing the whole 1st album) and I spin 45s of acid rock, bubblegum, French pop, krautrock, ‘70s one-hit wonders, astral folk, danceable groovers, psych-pop and more! 10pm, FREE!

Thurs. 17--
Moonrises will be playing our last show possibly for some time at the new expanded-to-rock Burlington, 3425 W Fullerton Ave, looks like we play 2nd, along with the excellent noise-rockin Mines, and the subtly fucked Health & Beauty. 8pm, $5.

Fri. 18--
The next official installment of the radio version of the 'Secret History of Chicago Music' will air in the evening at midnight central time on WGN 720AM on the Nick Digilio show.
For this segment we will be covering supreme loner weirdo Mark Tucker, whose private pressed LP features tape loops of car sounds and sells for almost $400.
You outta-towners can catch the webcast/stream deal at:
http://wgnradio.com/listen/index.htm
and strips are archived on-line at:
http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/secrethistor
and the radio shows are archived at:
http://wgnradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=297&Itemid=543
and don't forget the strips are archived here too...
www.plasticcrimewave.com

Upcoming:
------------
11/23--Caricatures at Empty Bottle with Thee Oh Sees
12/7--Classic line-up PCWS opens for Rocket From The Tombs at Empty Bottle
12/16--Solar Fox w/Cinchel at Saki Records, 6pm
1/16--Moonrises LP release show at Empty bottle w/Wume and ONO
1/21-22--Chicago Psychfest at the Hideout

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News 10/3/11:
-------------------
A belated thanks to all who had cosmic faith and made it out to the PCW Vision Celestial Guitarkestra at the Hideout Block Party in the rain, it magically stopped pouring and the sun shone 20 minutes before we played, so no one died of electrocution, and almost 50 jammers made it one of the most dynamic and feel-good Guitarkestras yet! Plus seeing Booker T. play "Green Onions" close-up almost made me weep. And I got my MGs records signed like a nerd.
The full 25 minutes here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiKTKddkssE
and another view of 11 minutes here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NI-_J3wj7J4

I compiled a 60 minute mixtape of under-appreciated Chicago tunes, from funk to garage, psych to soul, of performers all covered in my Secrey History strip for a new Impala cassette, given out free at Dave Mata's night at Bonny's 2417 N.Milwaukee. Yes, a real TAPE, no fake digital "mixtape" crap. I will have a few copies available too.

Happy to announce the birth of a new LP label imprint, Galactic Archives, a partnership with the ruling Logan Hardware record store. This label will be small run vinyl only, and will feature thee cream of the crop in rare archival psychedelic/experimental/folk/whatevs recordings, as well as archiving the current freaks of tomorrow. The first 2 planned releases are an LP of vintage 70s live and demo recordings of acid-punk gods Simply Saucer, easily one of my favorite bands of all-time, from Hamilton, Ontario. Also up is the debut LP by my avant-prog trio with Libby Ramer and Ben Billington, Moonrises.

Excited for CA adventure which begins this weekend, playing with Djin Aquarian of 70s cosmic jammers Ya Ho Wha 13/The Source Family as "Djin Aquarian/Plastic Crimewave and the Everafter." The Everafter in SF is my ol pal Ian Knox on bass and Mike of Thee Oh Sees on drums, and in LA its drummer Jimi Hey (ex-Indian Jewelry, Ariel Pink, Devendra Banhart, All-Night Radio, etc etc) and David Jasso on doubleneck bass of OGOD (who toured w/Acid Mothers a few years back)
*Sun 10/9--Playing at The Hemlock Tavern, 1131 Polk Street, San Francisco. 9pm, w/Arms & Legs, Deaf Wish (Australia)
*Mon 10/10--Playing at ABCO Art Space, 3135 Filbert St., Oakland 7pm w/Janina Angel Bath and Cansafis Foote
*Wed 10/12--DJ-ing Amoeba Records in LA with Frankie Delmane @ 7pm
*Thurs 10/13--DJ-ing Black Boar in Eagle Rock w/Jimi Hey 10pm-2am
*Sat 10/15--Playing at HM 157, 3110 N.Broadway, LA. 7pm w/MN noise-rock god Michael Yonkers and The Entrance Bandalso doing these

This Week Excitement!
----------------------------
Tues. Oct.4--
Caricatures @ Empty Bottle w/Australian heavies Deaf Wish and Population--FREE if you RSVP today!

Fri. Oct. 7--
REALLY stoked for this show @ 9pm at Enemy in WP, featuring Japanese psychedelic guitar god Shinji Masuko of the Boredoms/DMBQ (new album out on Jagjaguwar). Opening is Ryley Walker, Matchess (Whitney Johnson of Verma) and Solar Fox, which is Ms. Libby and I getting all space-ambient. I leave for a west coast tour the next day, so come say bye and have your brain fly into the skies.

Upcoming:
------------
10/9--SF show w/Djin Aquarian at The Hemlock
10/10--Oakland show w/Djin Aquarian, Janina Angel Bath and Cansafis Foote
10/12--DJ-ing at Amoeba, LA
10/13--DJ-ing at Black Boar in Eagle Rock (LA)
10/15--LA show w/Djin Aquarian and Michael Yonkers @ HM157
10/21--Moonrises @ Casa Donde w/Running
10/22--DJ-ing The Whistler
10/26--Moonrises in Madison w/Spires and Spiral Joy Band
10/27--Moonrises in MN w/Michael Yonkers
10/28--Moonrises in Iowa City
11/16--DJ The Whistler w/13th Floor Elevators trib. band
1/16--Moonrises LP release show at Empty bottle
1/21-22--Chicago Psychfest

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BIG NEWS 8/30/11:
------------------------
The Plastic Crimewave Vision Celestial Guitarkestra returns to the Hideout Block-Party, Sept. 24th at NOON. Yes, if you play, you also get in FREE to a $35 show featuring legends like Booker T Jones, Mavis Staples and some Birdy guy...
I need as many guitarists as possible at the Hideout by 11:30am! Whether you can shred or you've never played a note, you are needed--even small children have participated! All string instruments and some other sound-generators allowed, amps/power strip/extension cords preferred, but an acoustic instrument or 2 is ok. Past Guitarkestras have been bonafide spiritual sonic happenings in NY, at the Hyde Park Art Center, Empty Bottle, etc that i loosely conduct into "E" infinity, with up to 70 guitarists! So invite any friends/acquaintances to play too...!

I was thrilled that some shows and DJ gigs came together out west (i'll be out there for a wedding), but things are shaping up beyond my expectations! MN noise-rock legend and good pal Michael Yonkers and The Entrance Band have been added onto the LA show at HM 157! I'll be jamming with Ya Ho Wha 13 guitarist Djin Aquarian as "Djin Aquarian/Plastic Crimewave and the Everafter." The Everafter in SF is my ol pal Ian Knox on bass and Mike of Thee Oh Sees on drums, and in LA its drummer Jimi Hey (ex-Indian Jewelry, Ariel Pink, Devendra Banhart, All-Night Radio, etc etc) and David Jasso on doubleneck bass of OGOD (who toured w/Acid Mothers a few years back). Australian band "Deaf Wish" is rocking the SF show at the Hemlock, and there is still a possibility of an Oakland show still as well.

I was interviewed by a librarian at the Jacksonville, FL library, who has a large 'zine collection:
http://jplzinelibrary.wordpress.com/2011/07/29/know-your-zine-author-plastic-crimewave/
That and a talk at a library a few weeks ago have at least inspired me to renew my library card (after 10 years--dumb).

Here's some nice pics and article from the always-swell Robert Loerzel on the neighborhood Found Sound fest i played a week or ago:
http://www.undergroundbee.com/2011/08/15/finding-music-at-found-sound-chicago/

The always-nifty Priority Male label will be putting out the long-overdue Moonrises album on cassette soon, so yes, one can actually grip some jams by us. The Lp will be due sometime in the next century....(any takers? c'mon!!)

The Moonrises Museum of Contemporary Art performance can be seen here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFZsNKrj6rU
and here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YopGSOsdeU

This Week:
--------------
Thurs. 9/1--
Moonrises at Ball Hall @ 9pm w/Zorch, Health and Beauty, Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt, and Yes Yes---should be a blast!

Sat. 9/3--
DJ-ing The Whistler 10pm-3am with DJ partner Amanda Parris, who says: "I will be DJ-ing dark wave, minimal wave, cold wave, post-punk, early industrial and other goodies from my favorite six year period in the history of music. At my side will be the inimitable Mr. Plastic Crimewave, who promises French pop, UK psych, hard rock and some synth freakery. As usual there will also be damn good cocktails and something Dio." Yes, i'm still excited to play a lot of the hot euro 45s i got overseas.

Upcoming:
------------
9/5--Caricatures @ Empty Bottle w/Health and Beauty
9/10--Solar Fox at Already Dead Festival in Kalamazoo, MI
9/12--Caricatures @ Empty Bottle w/Magic Key
9/15--DJ-ing the Burlington
9/17--Solar Fox @ Cafe Mustache
9/18--Caricatures @ Empty Bottle for Permanent Recs. 5th anniv. party
9/22--Caricaturing at Blick Art Supply downtown
9/23--next SHoCM radio show
9/24--PCW Vision Celestial Guitarkestra at the Hideout Block Party
Caricatures @ Summer Sessions on the Square, Logan Square
10/4--Caricatures @ Empty Bottle w/Deaf Wish
10/9--SF show w/Djin Aquarian at The Hemlock
10/12--DJ-ing at Amoeba, LA
10/13--DJ-ing at Black Boar in Eagle Rock (LA)
10/15--LA show w/Djin Aquarian and Michael Yonkers @ HM157
10/20-10/30--Moonrises midwest/east coast tour

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News: 8/7/11
--------------------
I still have copies of the new demented GZDisk/Drag City LP reissue release, The George Edwards Group-"Archives", get 'em before they sell out!

And a BIG week of shows:
-----------------------------
Mon. 8--
Moonrises at Treasure Town, 2106 S. Kedzie, 10pm, $5 donation. With: CAVE BEARS (vagabonds of the western mass, rock band from outer space http://www.cavebears.suchf​un.net/ ), AMBERGRIS (also western mass freak, performance into oblivion), MINES (wild bill satek bringin' you straight 90's indie rock ballads... leaving his guts and soul on the floor with andrew young and jeff milam to pick up the mess), and the debut of TOILET MINT (nude sunrise mikey and running/pisspisser alejandro freakin' it from the rafters)

Wed. 10--
Solar Fox at Panchos, 8pm, 2200 N.California, with Angel Olsen, Cabinet of Natural Curiosities (NY), Blaka Watra (Cleveland), and Prince Matchabelli (Cle-Ted Flynn of Scarcity of Tanks), five bucks online, 7 at the door.

Fri. 12--
Plastic Crimewave Sound/Spires that in the Sunset Rise 10th anniversary show at Hideout w/Bobby Conn. Yes, almost 10 years to the day both bands played their first shows at the Hideout. Scary, eh? We will have special guests galore like past members Mark Lux, Nick D'vyne, Andy Ortmann, and ol pals like Velcro Lewis and Bruce Lamont. We will also have our 1st 2 out of print 45s available for sale for the first time in years and limited posters for sale! Come on down!

Sat.13--
Playing a solo set for the Ukrainian Village neighborhood "Found:Sound" festival at 1pm, http://foundsoundchicago.org/

Upcoming:
------------
8/16--Caricatures @ Empty Bottle w/Great Society Mind Destroyers
8/22--Caricatures @ Empty Bottle w/Love of Everything
8/27--Caricatures @ Summer Sessions on the Square, Logan Square
9/1--Moonrises at Ball Hall
9/3--DJ-ing The Whistler w/Amanda Parris
9/10--Solar Fox at Already Dead Festival in Kalamazoo, MI
9/15--DJ-ing the Burlington
9/17--Solar Fox @ Cafe Mustache
9/18--Caricatures @ Empty Bottle for Permanent Recs. 5th anniv. party
9/22--Caricaturing at Blick Art Supply downtown
9/24--Caricatures @ Summer Sessions on the Square, Logan Square
10/9--SF show w/Djin Aquarian
10/12--DJ-ing at Amoeba, LA
10/13--DJ-ing at Black Boar in Eagle Rock (LA)
10/15--LA show w/Djin Aquarian @ HM157

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well hello!
It sure has been a while since you got one of these mass-e.mail jobbers, hasn't it? Well, I've only been back in the country a a week and half or so, and needless to say I had an incredible time overseas. The interviews with the hellfire/godlike Arthur Brown, protopunk Edgar Broughton, angel-voiced Judy Dyble (Fairport Convention, Trader Horne) , folklord Martin Carthy, and UK psych vocalist/lyricist supreme Peter Daltrey (Kaleidoscope UK) were all revelatory and mind-blowing. The Solar Fox + 1 shows in the Netherlands, Poole, London and Paris (especially!) aided by Nathan Dodge of Black Wyrm Seed were fantastic. Huge thanks to the many wonderful people took us in on our journey, like Floris Kolvenbach (of Mother's Love/The Dream!) and Dieuwke Aberson in the Netherlands, Phil McMullen (of Ptolemaic Terrascope fame) in Wiltshire, Ellen Mary McGee and Pete in London (for days on end, you rule El!), Todd Jordan in Brighton, Lindsay Murray in Twickenham, Duncan Pinhas in Paris, and of course Matt Shaw and all the LUSH folks made us feel at home in a tent in Poole. Of course big thanks to all the folks who helped w/Kickstarter fund raising too! It was a costly trip, as we hit medieval towns like Lewes, ancient druid sites like Avebury, the bustling Brighton, and Paris for only 2 days..ow...but yes, i still came home with some incredible records. 45s by Shocking Blue, Hawkwind, and Francois Hardy are just falling out of the trees over there! Not to mention found affordable rarities by Fairfield Parlour, Tangerine, Michael Chapman, Catherine Ribeiro, Blossom Toes, Nirvana UK, and more.
Anyhow, I THINK i'm fully recovered now...i think...
Here's a clip of Solar Fox + 1 playing the festival in an over-sized tent in Poole:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v​=P7F1SgOgc6Q

I was happy to return and find the latest Galactic Zoo Disk/Drag City LP reissue ready, The George-Edwards Group "Archives"--featuring completely unreleased and vintage recordings from the Detroit basement psychedelicists who gave us the now-sold-out private-press masterpiece "38:38." If demented synths, power-pop from Venus, gnarly fuzz and scuzz, and warbly hooks are your game, this is for you. I have copies for sale, inquire within....
The next GZDisk/Drag City project, an unreleased Sandy Bull concert from 1976 is making serious headway, and we got a few other gems in the works...

The Plastic Crimewave Sound/Spires That in the Sunset Rise 10th anniversary show (almost to the DAY!) at the Hideout Aug. 12 is looking to be even more exciting than i hoped, past members Nick D'vyne, Andy Ortmann and Mark Lux are all making appearnaces, and Bobby Conn is headlining! woo!

Here's a nice review for Solar Fox, from our odd opening slot for the packed "She Wants Revenge" show at the Double Door--Somehow we get a much higher word count than the other bands...weird.
http://popstache.com/reviews/live/she-wants-revenge-at-double-door-sunday-may-29/

Note a LOT of new summer shows comin up below too!

Also Galactic Zoo Dossier #9 is coming along, so this is the ABSOLUTE last chance to get an ad in the ish, if you do it ASAP!

This Week:
--------------
Mon., July 18--
Caricatures at Empty Bottle 9:30-close for the first time in months, w/fun-monikered bands Fuck Knights, Creepy Band and Dumpster Babies

Thurs, July 21--
I will be speaking at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, they describe the talk as such:
"Learn the history of Chicago music that you never knew existed. Two experts will shed light on unsung Chicago-area artists, from ‘50s bluesmen to ‘60s psych-garage rockers to ‘80s post-punks and beyond. Steve Krakow (AKA Plastic Crimewave) publishes The Secret History of Chicago Music bi-weekly in the Chicago Reader, and Rob Sevier’s Numero Group is the top reissue label for lost and forgotten Chicago artists." Location: 500 North Dunton Avenue, Arlington Heights, speaking across from Welcome Desk at 7pm

Sun. 24--
Plastic Crimewave Sound plays their first show in an age (4-5 months?) at Empty Bottle, for a Japan-relief benefit (yes, they're still hurtin' over there folks) with all proceeds going to Red Cross (not the band, the charitable organization.) Its an early show, so we go on at 9pm-ish, the show starts at 6pm with GiantSquid Autopsy, The Strange Attractor, Death Factory and Rat Bastards.

Upcoming:
------------
7/27--DJing Rodan w/PsychedAlex
7/29--next SHoCM radio show
7/30--Moonrises at outdoor Pilsen fest
8/5--Moonrises at the MCA!
8/8--Moonrises at some loft space
8/10--Solar Fox at Panchos
8/12--PCWS/Spires 10th anniversary show at Hideout w/Bobby Conn
8/27--Caricatures at Summer Sessions on the Square
9/1--Moonrises at Ball Hall
9/10--Solar Fox at Already Dead Festival in Kalamazoo, MI

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

News 6/3/11
----------------
First off want to issue a big thanks for all who helped my Kickstarter campaign reach its goal and then some. Whether you gave or helped spread the word, i am extremely grateful. As i continue to look into costs, i realize this trip would not be possible without the Kickstarter fund!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1803021193/plastic-crimewave-european-tour-interview-mission
Here's our mostly-solidified itinerary:
June 21--Flying into London, Edgar Broughton interview (tenative)
22nd- Floris Kolvenbach (Mother's Love/The Dream) interview in Amsterdam
23rd--Ubbergan, Netherlands gig (in a church!)
26--Arthur Brown interview in Lewes, England
27-30--Festival in Poole, Dorset, playing/caricaturing/art-showing/interviewing Martin Carthy
July 1--Twickenham, London gig
2nd--Oxford, England, interview with Judy Dyble (Fairport Convention/Trader Horne/Giles Giles and Fripp)
3rd--Paris gig
6th--Return home

Also note down below, a lot of gigs recently confirmed...Summer Fun yeah!

Happenings Soon:
---------------------
Friday June 3--
The next official installment of the radio version of the 'Secret History of Chicago Music' will air at 11:00pm central time on WGN 720AM on the Nick Digilio show.
For this segment we will be covering R & B goddess Betty Everett, who was more than a one-hit wonder.
You outta-towners can catch the webcast/stream deal at:
http://wgnradio.com/listen/index.htm
and strips are archived on-line at:
http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/secrethistor
and the radio shows are archived at:
http://wgnradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=297&Itemid=543
and don't forget the strips are archived here too...
www.plasticcrimewave.com

Tues. June 7--
Solo set opening for Michael Chapman at Schubas! I'm extremely excited (and slightly intimidated) to be opening for the iconoclastic UK folk/rock god, who produced brilliant 70s albums like "Rainmaker" and "Fully-Qualified Survivor." I will attempt one of my acoustic banjo raga/blown-out electric guitar solo sets at 8pm, with William Tyler playing 2nd.

Fri. June 10--
I will be DJ-ing June 10 at Liars Club, for The big annual MOD CHicago event, "A Cyclical Incantation: Our Way of Thinking" 9p-2am, it looks like i'm firmly in the middle of the line-up, along with Mike Nipper–(Seattle), Soulmarcosa–(Los Angeles), Amanda Otto-(Baltimore) and Psychedalex & Moe Madness–(Chicago), and the fun continues on June 11 at Late Bar, with Dante Fontana –(Italy), Laurent Reus–(Paris, France), Patrick Foisy–(Montreal, Quebec), Ben & Aret–(Chicago), Midnite Cowboy–(Raleigh, NC), Sir Eric Colin–(Chicago), Miss Mary-Clancey– (Brooklyn), Dave Monroe–(Milwaukee). Plus there's a MODchicago garage sale and record swap at Liars Club – 1665 W Fullerton Ave, Saturday, June 11, 1-5pm, free admission.
http://www.ourwayofthinking.com/

Upcoming:
------------
6/13--DJing private party for Orange Skin
6/15--Solar Fox + 1 (Euro tour configuration) at Empty Bottle for Roctober benefit
6/17--SHoCM radio show--Fawn
6/18 or 19--DJ/caricatures at Saki Records(1 yr. anniversary)
6/20 to 7/6--UK/Europe festival/tour/interview quest!
7/9--DJing the Whistler w/Amanda Parris
7/21--Speaking at Arlington Heights library
7/30--Moonrises at outdoor Pilsen fest
8/8--Moonrises at Palzie
8/10--Solar Fox at Panchos
8/12--PCWS/Spires 10th anniversary show at Hideout
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News 5/24/11
------------------
Ok folks, i have ONE WEEK left on this Kickstarter campaign to help fund my costlier-than-i-thought UK/European tour/interview quest-- So if you've ever enjoyed my Reader strip, radio show, or anything i do, please give just a little, and/or forward this link on--i am offering some fun premiums to any who donate...
ok i hope i didn't use too many jewish-guilt techniques here.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1803021193/plastic-crimewave-european-tour-interview-mission?ref=email

Also one week from today:
Mon. 5/30 (Memorial Day)--
At the Abbey Pub, 3rd show of my new gothy noise duo Scum Ra, which is Kathleen Baird of Spires and I. We are thrilled to be playing w/French guitar/electronics legend Richard Pinhas, of prog-gods Heldon, and hard-rock killers Schizo. This is a rare performance for Pinhas and his son Duncan, who will be exploring some of the Fripp-ian guitar textures which made him famous. Also playing is Magas and Bloodyminded's Mark Solotroff. Guaranteed to be one of the shows of the year!
http://www.abbeypub.com/last-rites-presents-richard-pinhas

Upcoming:
------------
5/29--Solar Fox at Double Door
6/3--SHocM radio show
6/7--Solo set opening for Michael Chapman at Schubas!
6/10--DJing MOD Chicago at Liars Club
6/13-DJing private party for Orange Skin
6/17-SHoCM radio show
6/18 or 19--DJ/caricatures at Saki (1 yr. anniversary)
6/21-7/6--UK/Europe festival/tour!
7/9--DJing the Whistler
7/21--Speaking at Arlington Heights library
7/30--Moonrises at outdoor Pilsen fest
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BIG NEWS 5/16/11:
--------------------------
I have just set up a project on Kickstarter (fund-raising site for artistic projects) to help with my UK/European tour/interview quest, and I am offering some premiums of rare goods/personalized gifts to any who donate! So PLEASE forward this link to anyone who might be interested in helping this poor artist's cause (and who might want said gifts for donating):
http://www.kickstarter.com/e/A0Q0m/projects/1803021193/plastic-crimewave-european-tour-interview-mission
Some details:
I am building my first European tour and series of UK rock legend interviews around a festival I'm playing in Poole, Dorset. My ticket is booked for the festival June 17-21, but my band and I will need to take a costly overnight ferry to the Netherlands, as well as buses and trains to venues and the UK interviews in Twickenham, Nottingham, Brighton, and London; the Chunnel to Toulouse and Paris, France to play few more gigs before returning to Chicago. The kickstarter goal will still not cover all the tour/journey costs, but will be a great help.Accompanying musicians (and interview aids) on the tour will be Libby Ramer on keys, who plays in both Moonrises and Solar Fox with me, and ace guitarist Nathan M. Dodge of Indiana desert-psych jammers Black Wyrm Seed.
Interviews are planned for my Drag City-published magazine, The Galactic Zoo Dossier with two of my biggest heroes, "The God of Hellfire" Arthur Brown (whose album is the namesake of my magazine) and legendary UK proto-punk bandleader Edgar Broughton. I will also be interviewing original Fairport Convention singer Judy Dyble, influential folk-god Martin Carthy, and Floris Kolvenbach of Dutch psychsters Mother's Love/The Dream. These in-person interviews are the opportunity of this scribe's lifetime.

Also wanted to hype the upcoming annual MOD CHicago event, "Our Way of Thinking"...I will be DJ-ing June 10 at Liars Club, along with Mike Nipper–Emerald City Soul Club (Seattle), Soulmarcosa–Mescalina Club (Los Angeles), Amanda Otto-Reaction (Baltimore) and Psychedalex & Moe Madness–Alchemical Splendor (Chicago), and the fun continues on June 11 at Late Bar, with Dante Fontana –The 60’s Hermetic Order (Italy), Laurent Reus–Revolver Records (Paris, France), Patrick Foisy–Parka Avenue (Montreal, Quebec), Ben & Aret–Rare Soul Millionaires (Chicago), Midnite Cowbwoy–One Track Mind (Raleigh, NC), Sir Eric Colin–MODchicago (Chicago), Miss Mary-Clancey–Hot Dog (Brooklyn), Dave Monroe–The Soul Hole (Milwaukee)

This Week:
------------
Fri. May 20--
The next official installment of the radio version of the 'Secret History of Chicago Music' will air at 11:00pm central time on WGN 720AM on the Nick Digilio show.
Since I've had a few months of hyper-activity, for this segment we will be catching up on THREE Strips: melodic proggers Ultima Thule (now "The Willing"), whose tracks will be heard by the public for the first time on WGN; expansive folk-rockers The Ship; and obscure garage band The Late Results, whose story will be told for the first time, and we will play their RARE 45, with member Wayne Stellmach as special on-air guest.
You outta-towners can catch the webcast/stream deal at:
http://wgnradio.com/listen/index.htm
and strips are archived on-line at:
http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/secrethistor
and the radio shows are archived at:
http://wgnradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=297&Itemid=543
and don't forget the strips are archived here too...
www.plasticcrimewave.com

Upcoming:
------------
5/23--Caricatures at Empty Bottle w/Rabble Rabble
5/30--Scum Ra (Kathleen Baird of Spires and I) w/French guitar/electronics legend Richard Pinhas, Magas and Mark Solotroff at the Abbey Pub
6/10--DJing MOD Chicago at Liars Club
6/21-7/6--UK/Europe festival/tour!
7/9--DJing the Whistler
7/30--Moonrises at outdoor Pilsen fest

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News 5/2/11:
------------------
The Moonrises east coast/midwest tour was fantastic! We played great shows w/folks like Gary Higgins, Grails, James Blackshaw, Man Forever, The Notekillers, Fielded, Whoarfrost and Radio People--Thanks to all that helped! Saw many old pals and met new ones, had a lovely 80-degree day free in NY, hit sweet record shops (like Jerry's in Pittsburgh, Academy in NY, and Feeding Tube in Northhampton) and we even came out ahead $-wise and didn't kill each other--pinch me!

Holy Shite! I'm being flown to England to play a festival in the ancient forests of Dorset, Poole June 27-30! The fest is sponsored by all-natural cosmetics co. Lush, and there will be vegan vittles, camping, a ton of performers--including folk god Martin Carthy!! (who inspired people like oh, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, and Richard Thompson). Some more shows elsewhere in the UK (Nottingham, Twickenham, Brighton, London) and France (Toulouse) are looking good, and I'm also pursuing Germany and the Netherlands--any help is much appreciated though, as time is very short! Also of much excitement is that I've secured an interview with my hero Arthur Brown!! (yes i named my mag after him) Pinch me again please!

This Weekend:
-----------------
Friday--
Moonrises plays a triumphant "returned-home-from-tour-and-now-we're-really-tight" set at Mortville with Running, Lechuguillas, La Armada and Broken Water (from Olympia), also a new space-transforming art installation is debuting! 9pm, 2106 S.Kedzie

Saturday--
"The Lighter Side of Heavy" DJ night--my conspirator Amanda Parris says it best:
"Come sip a fine cocktail as I explore the lighter side of heavy this Saturday, May 7th at the Whistler (2421 N. Milwaukee Ave.) with my pal Plastic Crimewave. I'll give it to you slow, soothing and mournful, with tears in my eyes and harmonized vocals on my lips. I will also hit you with the hard stuff for good measure. We'll be DJ-ing from 10pm to 2am."
I have a lot of new 45s from tour and record store day spoils to jam too!

Sunday--
DJ-ing Asian Cinema Night At Rodan, 10pm-2am. I will be spinning all Asian psych, beat, go-go along to otherworldy Asian films being screened.

Upcoming:
------------
5/13--Caricatures at Empty Bottle w/Soft Speaker and Secret Colours
5/20--Next SHoCM radio show
5/23--Caricatures at Empty Bottle w/Rabble Rabble
5/30--Scum Ra w/Richard Pinhas, Magas and Mark Solotroff at the Abbey Pub
6/27-30-UK festival!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News 4/10/11:
------------------
Moonrises' April tour is solid, tell yer pals:

Wed. 20--Kalamazoo, MI @ The Strutt, 773 West Michigan w/Jeremy Ruggles & The Minddeath Quintet, Nwe Spyghts 9:30pm
Thurs. 21--Columbus, OH @ Skylab, 57 W.Gay St.(Downtown) w/Fielded 8pm
Fri. 22--Pittsburgh, PA @ Gooski's, 3117 Brereton Ave.
Sat. 23--Williamsburg, NY @ Monster Island Basement, 128 River Rd.(@ Metropolitan) w/Notekillers, Man Forever and Gary Higgins 9pm
Sun. 24--Brooklyn, NY @ The Knitting Factory, 361 Metropolitan Ave. w/Grails and James Blackshaw 8:30pm
Mon. 25--Easthampton, MA @ Flywheel, 43 Main Street (In the Old Town Hall) w/Whoarfrost 8pm
Tues. 26--New Haven, CT @ Popeyes Garage, 50 Goffe St., 2 bands tba, Taco Party!? 7pm
Wed. 27--Baltimore, MD @ Golden West Cafe, 1105 West 36th Street w/Soft Healer, Hatchet and Sri Aurobindo
Thurs. 28--Cleveland, OH @ Happy Dog, 5801 Detroit Ave.(Gordon Square District) w/Radio People

Very excited to be booking legendary French Fripp-disciple-guitarist/prog-god/experimental electronics-innovator Richard Pinhas of Heldon! The show will be at The Abbey Pub, Mon. May 30 (yes Memorial Day). Also performing is Magas, Mark Solotroff, and Scum Ra, my new duo with Kathleen Baird

My latest GZDisk LP release, Ed Askew's "Imperfiction" got a nice Pitchfork review--whoa:
http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/15248-imperfiction/
There's also this cool live performance on the Time Out NY blog:
http://newyork.timeout.com/music-nightlife/the-volume-blog/1155015/live-at-tony-ed-askew
Ed will also be doing some shows w/Smog this Spring...

Speaking of Drag City, I wrote the "Item of the Week" for their site this week, on 1994's "hey Drag City" comp. I was allowed to get all snarky yet nostalgic, cool.
http://www.dragcity.com/products/hey-drag-city

I guess that article ran in that austere intellectual paper, The Redeye, detailing my mad DJ skills--I actually like the pic-who knew?
www.readoz.com/publication/read?i=1033658&pg=7

I am still soliciting for ads for my next Galactic Zoo Dossier Magazine, #9, published by Drag City. Since it will be a little while before actual publication (end of '11 is projected), and i am trying to settle page counts/layout, I encourage more "timeless" sort of ads, rather than more immediately-dated "new release" types, and of course an artistic-type ad, as to enhance the look of the entire book. Ad deadlines are JUNE 1, and rates are as follows: full page: $250, half page: $150, 1/4 page $75, business card size $50
i will draw the ad for a charge of $50 ($25 for 1/4 page or business card size) but will need all info submitted by MAY 1.

The new Plastic Crimewave Sound album is coming along, vocals have all been tracked--now loads of overdubs!

Original tapes are arriving soon for a future GZDisk LP of unreleased Sandy Bull recordings! Pinch me!!

This Week:
--------------
Mon. April 11--
Caricatures at Empty Bottle 9pm-close with Health and Beauty, Dan Mohr Trio...

Thurs April 14-
Opening night at Chicago International Music and Movies festival, where i will be displaying more Secret History of Chicago Music strips in their annual art show at the Wicker Park Art Center, 2215 W.North Ave (in the basement of the big ol' church). While movies screen upstairs, I will be on hand doing caricatures from 6-7pm, and then 10pm on...
The show will be up til the 17th.
http://www.cimmfest.org/#/art-show-2011/4550368813

Sat. April 16--
Caricatures at Reckless Records (Wicker Park, on Milwaukee Ave.) for Record Store Day (a great event) 12-5
Performing: Candy Golde (with Bun E.Carlos of CHEAP TRICK!!), Joan of Arc, Jeff Parker (of Tortoise) solo guitar, Cairo Gang, Tyler John Tyler, Singleman Affair

Sun. April 17--
Solar Fox cassette release show...Hopefully!

Upcoming:
------------
April 20-28--Moonrises east coast tour
May 6--Moonrises at Mortville
May 7--DJ-ing Whistler w/Amanda Parris
May 30--Scum Ra w/Richard Pinhas and Magas at the Abbey Pub

News 3/21/11:
-------------------
Wow, my first regular magazine review column, "Interstellar Overview," in the latest Signal To Noise magazine is out. Reviews of psychy-type releases by Les Ralliez Denudes, Parasites of the Western World, The Paperhead, and Chicago's own Fielded and Velcro Lewis Group.
http://www.signaltonoisemagazine.org/currentissue.html

Oh look, my Columbia College talk got a little write up. Thanks to all who came out.
http://columbiachronicle.com/tracking-chicago%E2%80%99s-psychedelic-history/

Aw, this blogger certainly "gets" my latest co-label release with Drag City, Ed Askew's "Imperfiction"--it's going fast, but I still have some copies...
http://www.myoldkentuckyblog.com/?p=15724

I don't think its commercially available, but the 2CD Numero Group Sampler I did artwork for is done and was given to the masses at SXSW. They'll be on e.bay for lots of money soon.

I am currently masterminding Galactic Zoo Dossier #9, if you have any contribution ideas i'd need them ASAP, (there are also a buncha trading cards that need to be written if you want to see the list), i am also looking for advertisers! Details can be sent your way.

A lot of people have been asking me about the status of freak-rockers in Japan. All of Acid Mothers Temple and Marble Sheep are ok (though Makoto was stuck on a train for 2 1/2 hours), but I did get this forwarded message from Shinji of DMBQ/Boredoms, if anyone wants to help:
Its Shinji from DMBQ/Boredoms here. I am writing to my friends who is living in US and other countries. As you know, Japan's most powerful earthquake since records began has struck the north-east coast, triggering a massive tsunami. Fortunately I am OK because I am living in Osaka, but now the damage situation is gradually clarified. So many our friends, friend's of friend, friend's family, musicians people who work in music venue, etc... a lot of people who we know were struck. And communications are almost 100% down in northeast japan still. Friends who were staying in northern Japan to have a show etc,, can not come back to their home and now they are in the refuge where the acquaintance doesn't exist. Plus, Tokyo's electricity will be cut off gradually from tomorrow. Even railway will be 50% running and now gasoline is almost empty in Tokyo, means Tokyo's economy will be down. The food scarcity has already started because the factory cannot operate. Please help them. Volunteer's acceptance has not been begun yet. We want to send relief and condolence donation directly to people and north-east Japan's music scene in future. Please send donation or organize benefits show in your town for them. Please Cc this email to your artist friends too.
Please send donations via paypal:
dmbq@dmbq.net
Shinji Masuko DMBQ/Boredoms

This Week:
----------------
Wednesday 23--
Caricatures at Empty Bottle 9:30-close, with NY noise-psych pummelers White Hills, Great Society Mind Destroyers, and Liturgy.

Friday 25--
The next official installment of the radio version of the 'Secret History of Chicago Music' will air at 11:30pm central time on WGN 720AM on the Nick Digilio show.
For this segment we will conclude "The Winter Blues" series (hopefully winter will conclude too), featuring an actual living Muddy-Waters-school bluesman, Willie Buck--who just may call in.
You outta-towners can catch the webcast/stream deal at:
http://wgnradio.com/listen/index.htm
and strips are archived on-line at:
http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/secrethistor
and the radio shows are archived at:
http://wgnradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=297&Itemid=543
and don't forget the strips are archived here too...
www.plasticcrimewave.com

Saturday
Mar.26--
Moonrises in Bloomington, IN @ Magnetic South, 1305 S.Madison St.
with Apache Dropout (record release show), Burning Itch (Knoxville), and Burnt Ones (SF)

Upcoming:
------------
April 14-17--Displaying art at CIMM fest
April 16--Caricatures at Reckless Records Wicker Park for Record Store Day
April 17--Solar Fox cassette release show
April 20-28--Moonrises east coast tour
May 7--DJ-ing Whistler w/Amanda Paris
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News 3/3/11:
-----------------
Well, had a swell time AZ, the new Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix is colossal, and i had some great LP/Comic/Book scores.

A new release bonanza is upon us! Let me know if you are interested in procuring:

The latest LP reissue on Galactic Zoo Disk/Drag City is ESP Disk's NY gay baroque folkster Ed Askew's lost 1984 cassette lo-fi symphony, "Imperfiction"
http://www.dragcity.com/products/imperfiction
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGzlxNnrby4

A mysterious Ether-label 45 seems to have fallen in my lap of legendary acid folk songstress Ruthann Friedmann (yes, she wrore "windy" for the Asssociation too). 2 incredible studio songs from 1970!!
http://www.dragcity.com/products/white-dove-bw-motorcycle-madness

Solar Fox, the space/komische/ambient project of myself and Ms. Libby has our first cassette out, "Infinity Rituals" on the sweet Toronto Medusa label. Fancy cardboard/silkscreened package too.
http://ayalsenior.com/audio_medusa.html

Events:
--------
Sat. Mar.5--
DJ-ing The Whistler 10pm-3am for the first time in a little while, will bust out many hot new 45s procured in my travels!

Wed. Mar.9--
Artist talk at Columbia College, 6:30pm for "Collecting Music: A Conversation with Steve Krakow" at the Quincy Wong Center, 623 South Wabash Avenue. Sponsored by the Hokin Project.

Mar 11--
Caricatures at Empty Bottle/Human Eye performing...

Mar.13--
DJ-ing Rodan for the first time in age, all 45-goodness, screening some glorious trashy B-movies as well! 11pm-2am

Upcoming:
--------------
Mar 21--Caricatures at Empty Bottle/Heavy Times
Mar 23--Caricatures at Empty Bottle/White Hills
Mar.26--Moonrises in Bloomington, IN
April 14-17--Displaying art at CIMM fest
April 16--Caricatures at Reckless Records Wicker Park for Record Store Day
April 20-29--Moonrises east coast tour

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News 2/4/11:
-----------------

Thanks to all who made the Plastic Crimewave Sound east coast mini-tour a blast! we made it back just as the blizzard hit...whew.
we played with swell folks like psychedelic horseshit, byron coley/sunburned, bipolaroid, etc and saw many ol pals.
NY was an especially fun crazy time, and photos abound:
http://www.imposemagazine.com/photos/brooklyn-psychfest-2011
http://www.thelmagazine.com/TheMeasure/archives/2011/02/01/live-the-second-annual-brooklyn-psychfest-at-party-xpo

This Sat. Feb. 5--
Coach House Sounds Alumni Market at the Hideout, featuring artisians of Coach House's past selling their wares, like Travis of ONO, Tom Cassling (Tyler Jon Tyler), Eliza Bangert, Matt Shaw, Neal Morrison, and I will be selling posters, mags, records and drawing caricatures!
come help out a post-tour poor artiste...please? 5-8pm

Upcoming:
------------
Feb.14--Caricatures at Empty Bottle w/White Mystery/Dark Fog
Feb.17--Caricatures at Empty Bottle w/Secret Colours
Mar.5--DJ Whistler 10pm
Mar.9--Artist talk at Columbia College
Mar.13--DJ-ing Rodan
Mar.25--Moonrises in Bloomington, IN
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News 1/20/11:
-------------------
Looks like i have some secret new art job for Numero Group--details soon.

No Secret History radio show next week cuz i'll be out of town, but watch for the strip on blues guitar god Robert Lockwood Jr.

The Plastic Crimewave Sound mini-winter tour has shaped up further, tell yer other-town pals:
Jan.28--Skylab, Columbus, OH
Jan.29--Brooklyn Psychfest #2 at Party Xpo
Jan.30--Feeding Tube Records, Northampton
Jan.31--Now That's Class, Noise party in Cleveland!

The Haps:
-----------
Fri. 21--
"In 2 the Void" Psychfest II w/Plastic Crimewave Sound at the Hideout--here's a nice article that made me blush a little, i mean "scene leader?" aww....
Far Out: Chicago Psych Fest celebrates the diversity of our cosmic krautrock and beyond | Newcity Music
Thee line up is:
el is the sound of joy 8:30-9
dead luke 9:15-9:45
gsmd 10-10:30
pcws 10:45-11:15
catacombz 11:30-12
mondo drag 12:15

Mon.24--
Moonrises with evil proggers Ga'an (record release show) and the synth-horror-soundtracky Mr.666 at Empty Bottle
FREE!
We will be trying out some brand new jams too--

Upcoming:
-------------
Jan.28-31-PCWS mini-tour
Feb.5--Coach house Sounds Alumni Market at the Hideout 5-8
Mar.5--DJ Whistler 10pm
Mar.25--Moonrises in Bloomington, IN
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hope y'all had a wondrous holiday season...
now to catch up on life/projects, so...whew...here goes:

Weirdest news of "11 so far: I will be featured in an article on Chicago DJs in The Red Eye (yes, that's right, yer fave paper to find on the bus floor) that will run Jan. 22 or so....look out for it.
--------------------------------------------
Plastic Crimewave Sound News:
---------------------------------------
Wow, we're still getting new reviews of our 2006 (?) s/t Lp, but this one is so darn spot on and righteous i almost wept--i mean, does it get any better than being dubbed "some r