Rock By Kids

Earlier this year, thanks to Mitchell, I saw a duo called Skating Polly play the Empty Bottle.  

I was blown away by the scruffy charm and intensity from these two stepsisters who were just 12 and 17 at the time.  

My courage to write about them back then failed me.  

Because of their young age I didn't know how to talk about them except to say, "look at these kids play!" which seemed reductive and patronizing.  They deserved better than that.  



Then tonight I discovered Unlocking The Truth and I was reminded of that excitement I felt while watching Skating Polly on stage.  

That youthful exuberance is about as close to immortality as we as can hope to get.  The lack of fear & the laser focus becomes harder to maintain as we pass through adolescence and into adulthood.  

Unlocking The Truth - Malcolm Brickhouse & Jarad Dawkins from The Avant/Garde Diaries on Vimeo.

As they say on The Avant Garde Diaries:

There is a particular moment right before fame strikes a young musician – between the full flowering of talent and believing in a dream so pure and strong as to feel bulletproof – which at the same time is almost imperceptible as it is happening. 

How cool would be a collaboration between the Pixies/Nirvana loving girls of Skating Polly and the Disturbed/Metallica fanatical boys of Unlocking The Truth?  

Stranger things have happened - we are living in a world where The Judgement Night soundtrack just celebrated its 20th anniversary.  

Suddenly I look forward to purchasing instruments and lessons for my offspring.  I feel hopeful for the future.  

Skating Polly photo by Jeff Foy

Unlocking The Truth photo by Loren Wohl

Try Me Out Sometime...

Saw this band at the Bottle with Mitchell, Jeff and a friend of Mitchell's whose name I forgot.

They were real good.  And the album is a real scruffy charmer.  I am seriously considering going back to the Bottle on Friday April 5 when they swing back through...

New Junk Drawer

We are nearing the end of the first year of this blog.  Time to change up the junk in the drawer...

This drawer belongs to my new friend Hank who is a singularly amazing artist and historian. 

For me, 2013 will largely be defined by this man and his unique art. 

Photo credit goes to another new friend, Jeff - who is a super talented photographer as well as a cool dude.

****

 

It turns out I did not roust anyone out for the Tight Phantomz show.  Instead I went over to G$'s Chicago address for the last time to listen to records. 

 

For me, 2013 will also be largely defined by adjusting to this out of state move by my good friend.  Music is such a big part of our daily conversation that I will probably use this space on the internet to help facilitate that.

 

I am gonna be alright; I am someone that can make friends easily. 

 

Still, G has been there for me 24/7.  He is my champion, my confidante, my go-to guy for practically any need.  And I am honored to be that same person for him.   I lament that we won't be in close proximity but I am excited to do what I can to support the next chapter in his life.

 

So - a toast to friends, old AND new!  May the bonds that hold us together grow ever stronger.

 

That is all.