11-17-08
11 / 15 / 08
10-12-08
11 / 11 / 08
11-9-08
Brussels has the most incredible furniture. Never ceases to amaze. Lucky for us we are here on a Saturday and we got to hit the big flea market area. You can find all the broken guitars, chipped eyeglass frames, and WWII era magazines you ever wanted.
11 / 09 / 08
11-9-08
We have concluded the UK leg of Euro tour. We were honored to be one of the last shows tonight at London’s Astoria before this eminent venue’s brick walls come crashing down to be replaced by shopping mall-condo combos. Thanks to all you who came out to the Rough Trade Instore as well!
11 / 09 / 08
10-25-08
The tour came to a close in New Orleans. Bondy went to his mom’s house in Alabama. Nick Kinsey encouraged us to stay up all night and we ended up driving a golf cart through a cemetery. They don’t make ‘em like this in California. We were spooked by these mighty tombs above ground.
10 / 25 / 08
10/19/08
A little free reading that reminded us of “Every Man I Fall For”
“When it comes to tragedy, no one can outdo a woman; they are the eternal sufferers. Periods, childbirth, hysterectomy and decay, and they always coming up smiling, but sadly, at the edges…”
-Billy Childish “My Fault”
10 / 19 / 08
10/18/08
Another fun show at the 9:30 in DC. We got in to a post-show debate about why it is that we have never been to a chilled out vibey bar in the greater DC area. Things got pretty heady when we were left wondering who carries the burden of proof when qualifying the non-existence of a thing. So, next time DC people, take us to your sweet home tavern. Thanks for singing along!
10 / 18 / 08
10-10-08
We enacted a mandatory pre-stage ritual. It involves the four of looking each other in the eyes, and then a Statement of Purpose*, (spoken by both parties while maintaining eye contact) and sealed with a hug. The hug part is pictured. In the past we have scoffed at other bands’ pre-show rituals as being dorky; funny dances, shots, whooping and hollering. But this new one is like the army. It demands sincerity and does not work without it. (Gabe still likes for us to do at least one shot of Makers Mark with him.).
*Statement of Purposes thus far have been something like “I will play this show like it’s the first show I’ve ever played,” and “Tonight I am sick and lonely but I will dig deep and surprise myself with our performance,” and “You are the greatest (guitarist, drummer, etc) and I am honored to play with you.”
10 / 10 / 08
10-08-08
10 / 08 / 08
10-6-08
Woooo! Quck stop at home before heading to Minneapolis. These shows have electric. Knee deep in Steinbeck’s ‘East of Eden.’ See you soon East Coasters.
10 / 06 / 08
10-3-08
We call him chopper, & Mr. Kerbrat in his office.
10 / 03 / 08
10-2-08
Welcome to Gabe’s office.
10 / 02 / 08
10-1-08
Alright people! Hope you enjoy the new site. It’s got a good look with Wignall’s photos and all kinds of new features.
We are back on tour! After many months off spent recording we forgot what it’s like being on the road. Now we remember: The losing of socks. The sweaty on stage laughter. The inevitability of every conversation being interrupted. The renewed pledge to remember people’s names. The fast pace. The Jameson or the Makers! The futility of sleeping in a moving vehicle. Now we remember.
Richard Swift and Sons opened L.A. and San Francisco shows and ruled them.
We are honored to have San Francisco man Sean Hayes is casting his spell on crowds every evening.
09 / 30 / 08
CHICAGO
Chicago’s Metro was a really wonderful place to end our everlasting journey. Thanks to everybody who came to shows worldwide in the last two years. We are exhausted and grateful. Next up for us will be some time off to write and record. Creative vibes are flowing and we can’t wait to get busy on this next record, so we’ll keep you up to speed!
12 / 07 / 07
12-7-07
Mr. Derrick Brown surprised us all with end of the road gifts in Chicago. See who got what. Not sure who scored bigger: Warkensteins’ Facts of Life button set or Van Heules’ Yo Mtv Raps cards.
12 / 07 / 07
12-6-07
When you try to go premeditating your grand finales you’ll usually be let down i.e. New Year’s, birthdays, etc. Columbus was our second to last night of tour but became the pre-ender blowout when we went out to the college bar and drank $1 Budweisers and Jager Red Bulls with locals and engaged in call and response chants O-H! I-O! and F-U Syracuse! On the walk back to the bus there were snowballs thrown in faces, tackles in the powder, and squealing icy slips to the ground.
12 / 06 / 07
12-4-07
This is getting just too cold for us. It was really special for us to play before Spoon tonight, to get done, sit on the side of the stage and enjoy these songs that only a few short years ago we listened to in our cars never knowing that we would begin a band.
12 / 04 / 07
11-30, 12-1-07
Webster Hall double header! We got to spend some quality time in the city this week walking through the park, holiday shopping, the whole deal. Maust even ice skated.
12 / 01 / 07
11-26-07
HEAR YE, HEAR YE!
Richard Swift hurt his wrist and cannot complete part two of the US tour. He is sad and we are sad. Wish him a speedy recovery as he is a busy man with a lotta love to spread. We will carry on with fellow Long Beachers We Barbarians stepping up for the East Coast, ALSO with the help of Nashville poet Derrick Brown reading his poems with us playing some instruments behind him.
11 / 26 / 07
11-13-07
Final show in Dublin with Patrick Watson & Co. Another tear-filled parting of bands leading to heavy drink. French Lighting guy Sebastian (group pic, far left) has just discovered that he is getting his passport in time to come with us on his first journey to the New World, America! He is most excite` to be staying on Hollywood and Vine, promenade sur la plage in Santa Monica, and skydive des falaises de Malibu.
11 / 13 / 07