( continues...) It didn't end there. After the set, Mr. Quintron and other local musicians put on red-and-white marching band uniforms -- emblazoned with a 9 and a cat -- and picked up horns and drums to become the Ninth Ward Marching Band. Although the Ninth Ward has become synonymous with the city's worst devastation, the marching band long predates that notoriety. Quintron started the group soon after he settled in New Orleans; it couldn't exist anywhere else. At 4 a.m. in chilly weather, they were going to parade to the French Quarter playing classic rock songs. Not me -- I needed some sleep before the rest of Mardi Gras.

9th Ward Marching Band

along with his Drum Buddy, a custom gizmo that sounds like a drum machine crossed with a theremin.

When I was at SXSW a few years ago, he had a table hawking the Drum Buddy. It was very cool, but too expensive ($999.99) for what it was (IMO).

t edit Oh -- here\'s his web page: [link]

That Pareles guy does alright for a NYT cult-stud guy. And I'm glad y'all enjoyed the link! I got it from a another online forum and nearly died when they started talking about the online quizzes providing kids with bragging rights.

nearly died when they started talking about the online quizzes providing kids with bragging rights.

I know! It\'s like, they never heard of Purity Tests?

I have a Quintron and Miss Pussycat CD - it comes with a very cool DVD of her bizarre puppet shows. Genius!

He was also on Chic-A-Go-Go and I've got that on tape.

I know! It's like, they never heard of Purity Tests?

In an especially sweet moment, as they were discussing the online quizzes, the questions on the screen were particularly obvious satire, like "Do you write terrible pathetic poetry? Yes/No" obvious. FEMA needs to airlift a sense of irony to North Dakota immediately!

Almost forgot to mention: I read your LA write-up last night, Jon. Sounds like a great time! I'm looking forward to your commercial.

Do you write terrible pathetic poetry?

My favorites were "Do you wear sweaters?" and "Do you drink coffee?" with the follow up of "With cream and sugar or black?" I am sure there are extra points if you coffee is as black as your soul. And your jeans.

I read your LA write-up last night, Jon.

I did, too. I was happy to see that the ad people treated you well.

I have a Quintron and Miss Pussycat CD

I saw them open for the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion years ago. I didn't get it then and don't now - they just aren't my thing. It's good they've made a living at it though.

I\'m looking forward to your commercial.

As am I. I barely have any sense as to what it will sound or look like. It\'s all about the editing...

Thanks.

So in the eyes of paranoid parents and sensationalistic media, is emo worse than goth?

I think I just suffered an overdose of irony.