Days of Lore

Ignor-imus
It’s one thing to be insulted by your own coach, but how about being called a name by someone you don’t even know? Geez. But, who knows? Maybe radio host Don Imus felt he really knew the players on the Rutgers women’s basketball team when he referred to them as “nappy-headed hoes” on his CBS radio show.

Imus said he made the comment to be funny. Ha ha! Oh, that Don Imus is such a card! When all was said and done, he received a two-week suspension that won’t begin until April 16, and backlash from every talk show host, columnist and their moms … no, that wasn’t a mom joke.

It was an ignorant comment—anybody with half a brain knows that—but giving Imus a two-week slap on the wrist isn’t going to change a thing. The question then is: Should he get canned? Some answer with an emphatic yes. But that’s not an option either. As ridiculous as his comment was (he’s said much worse in the past), Imus has the right to say whatever he wants. Next thing you know they’ll try to ban racial epithets in New York City … wait a minute …

Let his apologies fall on deaf ears. Let the Rutgers players have their shot at Imus. Let previous guests do some moral soul-searching and decide if they want to appear on his show again. Let sponsors pull their ads (two already have). And let the court of public opinion send him to the gallows.

Signed, signed, everywhere signed
Aside from being CN&R Editor Evan Tuchinsky’s totally super-rad favorite metal band, local purveyors of doom and sorcery The Makai have become a new favorite of Chicago label Seventh Rule Recordings.

The band recorded its latest full-length, The End of All You Know, at guitarist Zeke Rogers’ studio The Black Lodge right here in li’l ol’ Cheek-o, began shopping it around in February and got snatched up by Seventh Rule earlier this month. The album was mastered by Colin Jordan (who’s worked with industrial legends Ministry) and will be released July 31. Before that, The Makai will head out on a 46-date national tour this summer, including a show on the Emissions From the Monolith Festival in Austin, Texas, with label-mates Indian.

But wait, there’s been yet another signing. I just heard the rough mix of local new wave rockers Machinegreen’s new record Three Sisters, which should be out on Temecula, Calif., label Heyday Records soon. It’s less riff-y, a little more synth-y, with Scott Barwick’s trademark Ric Ocasek-esque vocals. Especially yummy is the song “Paper Doll.” Also, with the recent departure of bassist Steve Nagayama, the band has been rehearsing with Dirty Sister bassist Katie Kelley. Look for upcoming shows this month.

Throw another veggie burger on the Barbie
As I write these words, I’m looking out my window (OK, I’m lying … I have to stare at my keyboard in order to hunt and peck this nonsense), and thinking back to just a few days ago when the sun was out, the barbecue was sizzling and Oakland duo the Pillows were performing at an afternoon backyard party. The Pillows, who also played the Palais Idéal experimental music fest back in October, delivered a solid set of pop gems from their Two Step record.

The duo followed a rollicking slab of country classics from Flash Flood & the Dykes … country Western shirts were required, and I couldn’t help but notice that the members all had their tongues firmly placed in their cheeks. Fun stuff.

Look for both bands, plus Barbara Manning and a few surprises at a musical event dubbed The Chico Hayride, Sun., April 29, at Off Limits.