Apparently many of the participating musicians are using this as volunteer hours to work off parking tickets and others just really love the opportunity to play music that they loved as kids but were forbidden to play or sing.

Looks like $15, and that's for the whole evening's worth of bands (though the rest are unfamiliar to me, except for -- egad -- REO Speedwagon).

Heh. Maybe we can drop in for Jamie and head out for dinner?

Looks like $15, and that's for the whole evening's worth of bands (though the rest are unfamiliar to me, except for -- egad -- REO Speedwagon).

Heh. Maybe we can drop in for Jamie and head out for dinner?

You betcha!

I'll email you when I have more of a set plan about a ride.

Right on. It'll be fun!

From GBV.com

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM GUIDED BY VOICES

After almost 20 years, assorted lineups, and countless albums, EPs, singles, triples, stolen bases, misdemeanor convictions, and broken hearts, Dayton, OH's fortunate sons are taking leave of your senses. 'Half Smiles Of The Decomposed,' to be released August 24 on Matador Records, will be the final album from Guided By Voices, one of the most acclaimed independent rock bands of all time.

"This feels like the last album for Guided By Voices," explains Robert Pollard, GBV's lone constant member, lead singer, and famously prolific songwriter. "I've always said that when I make a record that I'm totally satisfied with as befitting a final album, then that will be it. And this is it."

'Half Smiles Of The Decomposed' is the band's 15th full-length studio release, following 2003's 'Earthquake Glue' and retrospective box set, greatest-hits, and DVD releases. Although its tour later this year will be the band's last, Robert Pollard will continue writing, recording, and (possibly) touring as a solo artist. "I love the guys in the band, but I'm getting too old to be a gang leader," he explains. "There's a sense of maturity, and even integrity, I think, in continuing as one's own self."

Since Bob has been the only constant, it's hard to get worked up about this. It's not as though the "solo" stuff he's already released has been so different from GBV.

Saw Blondie on Saturday night. 'Twas fun. They sounded great, she scared me by altering a few melodies in the early bits (I thought she had to lower the notes to fit her range), but then hit big high notes later, so okay.

They played a good handful of new tunes, all save one or two fit really well with the old favorites. I feel so neat having seen a big ol' legend!

Debbie should be in pretty good voice - she's been singing with the Jazz Passengers since the 90s.

Heh, just came across some folks in LJ talking about the Bubblegum Book, and speculating about the fact that Kim will be writing one of the Continuum Books about In The Aeroplane Over the Sea.

It feels kind of weird to pop in and say, "You'll love the new book!" But it also reminds me of the scene in Annie Hall when Alvy pulls Marshal McLuhan into the frame to talk to the blowhard.

Uh, not that anybody was being a blowhard.

That reminds me that I really ought to buy the Joe Pernice one.

That reminds me that I really ought to buy the Joe Pernice one.

After reading the review, I wanted to get it myself.