Coney Island Sounds

I have a confession to make: I didn't know that Coney Island restaurants were a "Michigan/Detroit thing" until just a couple of years ago. But this isn't really a surprise, right? I grew up here. I've always known about Coney Islands. I'm not sure at what point I was supposed to say, "I bet these kinds of restaurants are unique to my region and do not exist elsewhere."

Thankfully, the people at Single Barrel Detroit are cooler about Coney Islands than I am. That is why they had the bright idea to film both Wildcatting and Bars Of Gold playing in the two most iconic Coney Islands in all the land (I can't totally verify this, but I feel it in my bones that it is correct): American and Lafayette. These iconic Coneys also happen to be right next to each other - if you type their addresses into Google maps, it actually tells you your travel time of 36 feet will take one second.



Man, do I want cheese fries right now...

This is gonna be us. This is gonna be our shoes.

This summer we will not be making our own computer out of macaroni pieces (you're weird, Regina Spektor), we will be doing this.

Standing at the door of self discovery...

I have a feeling I will not like this movie seeing as the whole "white-guy-midlife-crisis-poignant-comedy-with-life-lessons" genre makes me want to punch a white person. However, I WAS excited to hear Detroit's High Strung playing as I wondered if Laura Dern was wearing a wig in this preview. "Standing At The Door Of Self Discovery" is a fitting song for the subject matter of this movie film, yes? For the inclusion of a good Detroit band, I'll even consider going to see this. If somebody buys me popcorn. And prozac.

J Mascis - Several Shades Of Why

Here's a link to a short n' sweet review I wrote of the new J Mascis record from this week's Metro Times. I keep accidentally calling the record Several Shades of Grey because of his hair.

Also, the contest for "most best album cover of the year" ended this day this record was released, yes?

He's playing tomorrow night at the Blind Pig. I'm excited.

Wonder Twins: Justin Bieber Never Say Never

New Wonder Twins in yesterday's Metro Times. Oh, the things we do for you people... This time we went to see the Justin Bieber 3-D concert movie video film Never Say Never. You know, for the lulz. This is apparently now the top grossing concert film in US history or some such? Well, just wait until the remastered director's cut of the Barry Manilow Special from 1977 is re-released in theaters. Then shit's gonna change fast...

Have you reached the bottom yet? I hope not.

Mr. John Nelson was in one of my very favorite Detroit bands - the very recently defunct New Grenada. He currently plays with Copper Thieves and Destroy This Place. He has a brand new solo project. Check it out here.

The Hounds Below - "Cumberland's Crumblin"

Ok, this is kind of the best video ever...



If you're one of those SXSW people, word is these guys are a "2011 Showcasing Artist" or some such. Go see them. They're everything the new Arcade Fire album should have been.