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There was an excellent turnout at Hotel War‘s CD release show at Skully’s last night. The hippest kids in Columbus were there; and there are a lot of the buggers.

Opening act Strangers in Daylight were a pleasant surprise. A standard three-piece, their unfortunately short set was fun, lively, and got a decent amount of people to the dance floor. It helps that they seemed like they were friends with everyone in attendance, but that’s Skully’s for ya. I look forward to seeing Strangers in Daylight again in the future.

Burglar, of course, got all the women dancing. Which was amusing to watch because all of the “cool” hipster guys wear standing in a semi-circle, encasing a horde of young, fashionable females grooving on the dance floor. The sweet sounds of the lovely and gorgeous Lindsay Ciulla‘s mellophone and the sultry and dripping-with-sex appeal singing of Mehgan Hutchinson melded perfectly with the percussion of Drum Guy, Upright Electric Bass Dude, Guitar And Sometimes Vocals Guy, and Keyboard Dude. I’m not trying to be a jerk guys; but you are honestly not what I or any other straight guy is paying attention to when we see Burglar play. However, you will be happy to know that every single girl I know says things that I can not mention here about you. Suffice to say, they find all of you to be very handsome fellas and would like to do naughty things with you. So there ya go.

Couldn’t stay long as I had to rapidly travel to Kobo using Columbus’ red-headed stepchild of public transportation – the COTA bus. The Spruce Campbells were closing out Kobo and I told a couple people I would be there.

Not enough is said about Kobo. I think the sound at the old Oldfield’s on High is superior to most (if not all) bars in town. Unlike some other more prominent places, the vocals don’t get drowned out, the balance of guitars, bass, drums, etc isn’t all out of whack, and the acoustics of the room just seem better.

Anyway, the Spruce Campbells killed it. Unfortunately, it was late so the crowd was small (but still good for the late hour). Some pre-set jamming to Rush by Chris Cheeseman the drummer and guitarist Matthew Forney was welcome (and amusing). Chelsea Moore‘s and Jason Kusowski‘s vocals complimented each other perfectly. The band seemed to be having fun, and that translated to the crowd; there was dancing and smiles everywhere. Chelsea tells me that she has no groupies, and I think this is an absolute crime. With her voice and looks, she should be beating dudes off with a stick.

Also in attendance at the Spruce Campbells show was Scott Ball (accompanied by his lovely fiance) of the tragically defunct Asthmo. Few people probably remember Asthmo, but they were good. Real good. However, their demise brought about The Nuclear Children, which begat the Spruce Campbells (which is apparently going to give birth to a bouncing Barker’s Beauties at some point). Sometimes it’s weird how everyone in Columbus is connected. Also, you just got a short lesson in some Columbus indie band history.

You’re welcome.

Essential Music Videos – 90’s Indie Rock

Lucky 13 is the best hair-cutting experience I’ve ever had. I can say that honestly and without question.
 
I was going to write up a nice little review using all the review techniques they teach you in school. But I hate writing like that, and I hate reading sanitized, boring reviews. Most people agree with me. So here we go.

I needed a haircut. For the past couple years I always went to Great Clips or other McDonalds-like chain places. I have always been completely unsatisfied with these hair-cutting experiences and figured that I just hate getting my hair cut. So I posted a status update on Facebook asking for any recommendations for a new place to get my hair cut. I got 4 responses within about 20 seconds, all of which said “Lucky 13.”

Being a guy who doesn’t pay attention to such things, I had no idea what “Lucky 13” was or what it meant. So I Googled it to find out. Sounded hip, cool, and therefore not like something I would like at all. So I mulled it over for a few days before I decided, “Aw, what the hell. Why not?”

I had a bunch of other errands to run so I put Lucky 13 at the end of my list for the day. When I finally walked in, a very pretty blond woman (can’t tell from the pictures on the website who she was) smiled a genuine smile at me and asked me to sign in. She informed me that there was a 45 minute to an hour wait, and I was welcome to wait inside or leave and come back. I was Famished, so I left and got a Reuben at the Deli down the street. That isn’t important. What is important is when I walked back in, a completely different woman (I’m assuming Lane) said, “Tim?” To which I replied, “Yes?” She told me I was up next. I had only been gone for a half hour, so I was pleasantly surprised.

A quite attractive, smiling (perfect teeth) young woman named Angie walked up, introduced herself and extended her hand for a shake. She led me to her chair, and asked me what I wanted done.

This is always the part of getting a haircut that I hate the most. I never have any idea of what I want done. All I know is that I look horrible, I despise my hair, and I just want to get in, get a haircut, and get out as quickly as possible. I don’t like to chit-chat, I don’t like being sociable with people I don’t know, and I do not like haircuts.

So I say, “I dunno.”

She laughed, which made me laugh, and Angie proceeded to start making suggestions while we were facing the mirror (Another issue I’ve had with every past barber or stylist I’ve ever had is that they always face me AWAY from the mirror so I can’t see what they are doing). She made me feel comfortable; the most comfortable I’ve ever felt while getting a haircut. I talked, I chit-chatted, and I never once cringed and thought, “Oh God, what is she doing?”

I even mentioned my past experiences of horrible haircuts with her and how this was so much better. She replied that she thinks it’s probably because unlike the people at other places like Great Clips, she actually likes what she does and where she works. She’s been working at Lucky 13 for three years now and loves it. (Angie was pretty fascinating; she’s backpacked through the jungles of Costa Rica, has a tight rope in her backyard that she performs yoga on, and other ridiculously cool things that I can’t seem to remember right now)

This made me recall that every employ I came across seemed genuinely happy and friendly. I think that means quite a lot.

So, I think I’ve found my new hair-cutting place. I don’t want to say my new barbershop because it doesn’t sound right, nor do I want to say my new salon because, well, I just ain’t gonna say that either.


Lucky 13 is the best hair-cutting experience I’ve ever had. I can say that honestly and without question. I like my haircut, I liked my experience, and I will definitely go back.

Also, I thoroughly recommend Angie. While it certainly seems like I’ve been gushing about her, you just can’t understand how much I hate getting my hair cut, nor how much this experience made me realize that getting my hair cut doesn’t have to be an awful experience.

One last thing; they give you a card which they punch out every time you are in. Get 12 punches and your 13th cut is free.

As an aside; what is the proper amount to tip for a hair cut?

[Photos were pulled from Lucky 13’s website. I do not make any claims to ownership of photos, and if you want them taken down, just tell me]

This Thursday at Kobo (Oldfield’s on High) a concert event is happening that all should attend.

Lackluster
Spruce Campbells
The Nuclear Children (loved this band, but never reviewed them)
Evan Harris and the Driftwood Motion

The Spruce Campbells will be joined by Jack Atreides of The Futurists.  The Nuclear Children are having a reunion show of sorts. Lackluster will be doing what Lackluster does best – making hipster girls shake their asses.  and Evan Harris and the Driftwood Motion will bring everyone back to their roots – in the right way.

taken directly from Lackluster’s Myspace site

Live in Central Ohio, play drums, and want to be in a band that’s growing? Let us know!

We have been playing locally, and regionally pretty extensively for the last year. Our drummer had to leave, and we’re all ready (and waiting) to take the next step. We’re using the time to write new material, and record, but also focusing on finding an ideal drummer. We ARE NOT looking for a carbon copy of anyone. In fact, we’re looking for something unique and original. We work hard to not sound like anyone (that we know of). So, we are an original band in the truest sense, and are looking for someone who wants to be involved creatively in such a group. We make consistent efforts to grow, and need someone who wants to grow as well. But, to get right down to it, we need someone who can play to a click, is creative, and is willing to tour.
You can check out music, video, and press @ http://www.reverbnation.com/lackluster.
If interested, feel free let us know. We have a private space on the east side with multiple full kits… as both myself and the bassist drum for other bands. So, all you would need to bring to an audition is yourself and whatever you feel necessary. But, please own a kit.

But to make extra sure I don’t get bothered by people who skipped over the ad to this point… original band, play to a click, touring.

Thanks!
Jon Thought, it should be noted that they were all recorded by myself as demos. The quality is fine, but they’re really more of a jumping off point. Check out “Liars,” and “Why Try Harder,” for the best representation of what we are currently doing. The tracks are also available right here on our MySpace page in shitty MySpace quality.

A week or so ago, my friend Michelle and I were sitting on her front stoop and talking about all of our musical and artistic friends.

We came to the the conclusion that even though almost everyone we know is artistically inclined, most of them do not have the motivation to do anything with that ability.

So we decided to attempt to change that.

Michelle is an artist, musician, and songwriter.

I am a rather mediocre wordsmith.

but together we are attempting to create a community where artists of all types can come together and compete with one another.

yes, i said compete.

see, having talent without focus is wasted talent. by having a group of people who challenge each other to come up with new ideas, improve old ideas, honestly critique others’ work, and push each other to reach their full potential, we can help each other grow and expand!

currently, Michelle and I are looking at a monthly gathering.

Monthly gatherings are good to start out with, because it gives everyone time to prepare themselves.

you see, each month, anyone who attends must present something they have worked on. It could be a finished work, or a work in progress. It could be a song, a poem, a story, a painting, a sculpture, a quilt, a tapestry, a video, a game… anything.

Anything you are passionate about, anything that you create, is fair game!

so, if you are interested in joining this venture, feel free to contact me for more information. currently, the musicians are the majority, but i hope to change that and make a more even spread of artistic jelly. mmmmm jelly…

we are also working on a name for the group. any ideas for that are welcome too.