BIG MAC ATTACK: Although you wouldn’t know it based on all the folks on the street last week, things are slowing down for the winter a little bit already. That means it’s the perfect time for me to finally get around to talking about The Nameless, which was released way back in August by multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Mac McComb. This varied and creative album starts off with the Doors-ish “Mouth,” then drops right into the tight trot rhythm of “Butts.” The light psych-pop present in “Sunny Side” reminds me a little of John Sebastian (The Lovin’ Spoonful), as does “Time Or 2,” but not too much. There’s pretty much three approaches here: psych, theatrical and gentle folksiness. Happy to report that McComb makes a welcome home for all three with none being forced nor neglected. Find this and enjoy over at macmccomb.bandcamp.com.
BUTTON, BUTTON, WHO’S GOT THE BUTTON?: The inscrutable and aggressive Rubber Udder just unleashed a new seven-song record named Pin Prik Fuk Yu! which is a lot less clever than the band probably thought it was when choosing it. I think it’s mostly an inside joke related to the first three-second-long track “PPFY!” which is fine, I suppose. That said, the rest of this is friggin’ excellent. Particularly impressive is the transition between the Ameri-indie-hardcore of “Bulging Udder” to the highly melodic, classic indie/college rock of “Go.” The record’s centerpiece, the relatively epic-length “Ethiopia,” is seven minutes of pure, unadulterated rocking out, but it’s no free-form jam. It’s purposeful and cementing. The rest of this release harkens back to Rubber Udder’s known-quantity style of freaky, end-of-the-world psychedelia and closes everything out in a fine way. If at least some of this doesn’t find its way onto your next mixtape, then I don’t know how else to help you. Grab it at rubberudder.bandcamp.com.
JUNIOR SQUAD: A little bit of history was made during this year’s Wild Rumpus event that should be documented, if only for historical purposes of legacy interest. On Saturday, Oct. 28, infant Myles Lapuz—son of Alfredo and Rachel Barnes Lapuz—made his stage debut, joining his dad onstage with the Booty Boyz as they deejayed for an excited crowd. In related news, Myles was introduced to now two-year-old Aesop Parker Glaze—son of Mariah Parker, who performs as Linqua Franqua, and Paul Glaze—a few weeks ago at Buvez, and the pair became fast friends. Rumors of future collaborations are already swirling around, so check back in a few years and see what’s going on.
WEEKEND UPDATE: It’s been a good while since I mentioned anything about the ongoing creative collective and community space Rabbit Hole. In addition to various special events—generally centered on occasions such as a solstice, season or other general natural-spiritual convergences—the space hosts a Sunday Song Circle from 2–5 p.m. each week (unless otherwise noted). Everyone is invited to bring instruments, songs to sing, or just show up and enjoy listening. Upcoming dates include every upcoming Sunday for the next several months, so just head out to 1001 Winterville Road and have some fun. For more information, please see facebook.com/whiterabbitproductionsllc and/or rabbitholestudios.org.
MY GRASS IS BLUE: In similar, but totally unrelated, news, Athentic Brewing Company hosts its monthly Bluegrass Jam Session on Sundays from 2–5 p.m. Designed to connect folks in the local, uh, folk scene, everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy, as well as bring instruments to play. Specific upcoming dates for this are Nov. 12, Dec. 10, Jan. 14, Feb. 11, Mar. 10 and Apr. 14. For more information, please see facebook.com/athenticbrewing.
REMINDER: This is just a kind reminder that tickets are on sale now for the mental health awareness benefit concert at the 40 Watt Saturday, Dec. 9. Headlining this event is the legendary Lonnie Holley, and the undercard features Night Palace, Well Kept and Trvy & The Enemy. All tickets are available at 40watt.com. Presented by the Vic Chesnutt Songwriter of the Year Awards, the show will also benefit Nuçi’s Space and Friends of Advantage. For more information, please see vicchesnuttaward.com.
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