Newsflash!: Big Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes!

Dearest loves, as you already know, Terrible Chris has left the nest to venture out on his own at Odd Bloggings. Well, now yours truly has also decided to pull a new shape, and I'm pulling up stakes to continue on at my new spot, Fuzzy Logic. Essentially, both of our sites are the same in that we're gonna keep on keepin' on with the content you've come to know and love love love. So expect more of the same from both of us, just in different locales. This new change is effective immediately, so if you're a fan of LET, please consider adding Fuzzy Logic to your bookmarks.

Thanks for the memories, and here's to a whole bunch more.

xoxo,
Megan Terrible

Pssst...Another LET-Sponsored Showtacular!

Ok, y'all. I don't know what you local types have planned for April 2, but you'll probably want to adjust your plans accordingly once I tell you about a little event going down in the friendly confines of Rockville, MD. Yours truly is happy to announce a little soiree at the Bellflur warehouse of joyousness, and it will be sensational. Believe you me. We're talking seven shades of serious spectacle.

There will be music, courtesy of your cinematic and oh-so fabulous hosts (and LET local faves) Bellflur, along with more excellent local musicianship provided by The Vita Ruins (perhaps if you ask nicely they'll play their smokin' cover of Depeche Mode's "Enjoy The Silence"). But it doesn't end with the music my sweeties. Oh no. We're getting all super cultural on your asses. Artiste extraordinaire (just check that poster for an example) Rich Bernett will be showing some work, as well as screening his film Project 15. And, if that's not quite enough, Goodloe Byron will be reading from his novel "The Wraith." All of this can be yours for FREE. Unless, of course, you feel like being a super kind soul and opening your wallet to donate a little. Donations from the show will go towards the Ft. Reno concert series (a rather worthwhile endeavor).

Seriously. What else could you possibly be doing?!

mp3: Insect Politics (Bellflur from asleep.asleep)

Newsflash! MACRoCk Schedule Released!

O happy, happy day! MACRoCk, the Mid-Atlantic College Radio Conference, has just released its almost full schedule for this year's conference. Held April Fools' Weekend in lovely Harrisonburg, VA, this year's installment of the fest features some major LET faves like Gringo Star, Inter Arma and Eternal Summers, along with some of the best bands in the great Commonwealth of VA, such as Lubec, White Laces, and The Cinnamon Band. There's also a buncha bands playing that I'm totally excited to see, so it's safe to say that this here MACRoCk will be pretty dang awesome.

Newsflash!: Holy Crap! Another LET-Sanctioned Show of Awesome!

Yes, friends, that's right. It's the gray season of Winter and it's cold cold cold (ok, so it's not cold today, but work with me here), and damned if that's not as good an excuse as any to listen to some damn FINE music of the local variety.

We are happy as clammy clams to be sponsoring what will, undoubtedly, be a night of insanely, wickedly, hearing-loss inducingly loud and ridiculously rad music on February 28th, starring the behemoth talents of Mittenfields and Forevsner. The night promises to be so loud, as it happens, that earplugs will be provided for one and all. We don't want anyone's eardrums popping, after all! So come hang out with us, see two killer bands, AND do good while you have a good time. How's that, you ask? Well you see, darlingest darling dears, the proceeds of the show are going to benefit We Are Family DC. So chase the Mondays away with us, down at Arlington's Galaxy Hut. We can't wait to see your pretty, pretty faces. To get you in the mood, here's a couple lo-fi, rough gems from Forevsner.

mp3: The Ones Who Steal Yer Trash (Forevsner)

mp3: So We Stayed Home (Forevsner)

Newsflash!: LET Birthday Contest!

As some of you know, on the first of this year we celebrated birthday number 3. We're getting old! But we like to think we still look pretty good for our age. Anyway, digressions aside, Chris and I kinda felt like celebrating. And part of this celebration, dear friends, is for you. Yes you. We're offering one lucky, lucky son of a gun the chance to win a nice little bundle of musical goodies from your favorite DC bloggers.

What does that mean, exactly? Well, basically, friends, you could win a tidy little stack of grrrrrrreat CDs, including some that you'll see in my favorite records of the year, as well as some other fun stuff like band stickers and other little surprises. We like you so very much, we just can't not do this contest. To enter, simply email us and tell us why you love us. Hey, we're as narcissistic as the next guy, and we like heaps of praise. It can't be helped.

Details: Contest is open to anyone and everyone. If we like what you have to say the best, we'll ship your goodies just about anywhere. So make it good. Let's say we'll stop accepting entries on the 1st of February. That gives you plenty of time to come up with great reasons why you love and adore us. So Happy Birthday to us, and happy contesting to you! Good luck!

mp3: Subliminal Message (Happy Birthday from Happy Birthday)

Newsflash!: A Place To Bury Strangers Robbed In Rome!

Y'all, this makes me really sad. Sure, I love A Place To Bury Strangers to bits and pieces and think they're one of the best live bands on the face of the Earth, but any which way you slice it this just sucks, regardless of who the victim is. Here's the official word on what happened to APTBS and their stuff in Roma.

"A Place To Bury Strangers were midway through a three week long, 18 show tour across Europe when on Friday 12/3 their van, a Mercedes Sprinter Splitter van with British plates R965HSG, was stolen in Rome, Italy outside the BlackoutClub from the venue’s parking lot.

The band’s gear was safe in the venue, but 1000 Euros in merchandise money, plus a lot of merchandise, all of their suitcases and clothes, bassist Dion Lunadon’s New Zealand Passport & Green Card, the band’s Macbook Pro laptop and numerous personal items and various other gear were in the van at the time of the theft.

The items stolen from the van were worth over $15K, not including the excess van rental charges, plane fare, Passport fees, cancelled shows, etc. They have set up a paypal link for donations. Any donation, no matter how small, will be of great help. Their friends/former tour-mates in Holy Fuck were kind enough to donate a download of the APTBS remix of their track “Red Lights”to thank fans who donate. Each person who donates will be e-mailed a link to download the remix. You may donate here.

A list of stolen items can be found here, please contact Manager Steven Matrick if you have any information that could be of help recovering any of the band’s items. Thank you in advance. The band will be finishing out the remaining dates of the tour and all dates can be found here."

I mean...their clothes?! What is this world coming to? If you can help, please do.


mp3: Suffragette City (David Bowie cover) (A Place To Bury Strangers from We Were So Turned On: A Tribute to David Bowie)

Newsflash!: Win Tickets to Steve Mason @ Red Palace 12/14!

Dearest loves, the Steve Mason-ness just won't stop today! We've got one heck of a treat for you, yes you (well, you if you happen to be in the DC metro area or willing to come to the DC metro area on a Tuesday night, that is).

We've got a pair of tickets, courtesy Domino Records, to see Steve perform song after glorious song over at the newly-merged Red Palace on Tuesday, December 14th. If that's not a reason to look forward to a Tuesday night, I don't know what is. All you need to do to win the tickets is holler at us and tell us why you should be the one who wins. We'll alert the winner the day before the show. So have at it, y'all. You've got until noon EST on 12/13. And good luck.

mp3: Boys Outside (Keep Shelly In Athens Remix) (Steve Mason from Boys Outside)

Newsflash!: La Strada Calls It Quits/Goes Out With a Bang

I've known about this little news item for a little while now, but it's one of those things that bummed me out so much I tried to pretend it was all a vicious lie (and yes, please do read that in the style of Mrs. Peacock from Clue the movie). Alas, it's no lie, it's the stone cold truth. I regretfully pass along the news that my beloved Brooklynites La Strada are heading for splitsville, leaving my little heart in tatters. Sayeth the band:

"From the very bottom of our hearts and souls we want to thank every one of you that came to see us play and supported us these last few years. We all feel extremely blessed to have such wonderful fans; we'll never forget you!"

Fortunately, if you've never had the chance to see the band live, you've got one more chance before they are no more. Their final show of ever will be at The Rock Shop in Brooklyn (where else?!) on November 20th. Joining them will be LET faves Birdlips and Hospitality. Get yer tickets here. I'll forever be glad I saw them before the end became nigh.

mp3: My New Home (La Strada from New Home)

Newsflash!: Win Tickets to Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti!

Dear DC friends! Do you have plans Thursday evening? No? Well, you could! We've got a pair of tickets to see the weird and wonderful tour pairing of Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti and Os Mutantes, as they take over the 9:30 Club for what will surely be a night of splendid sonic insanity. And you could be going! Simply drop us a line and tell us why YOU should go to the show. Winner will get a pair of tickets! Simple as that. Contest closes tonight at 10 EST, so get your skates on! Here's a fancy remix to get you in the mood.

mp3: Round and Round (Little Loud Remix) (Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti from Before Today)

Reminder!: We're Throwing a Rock'n'Roll Party!

Not that y'all would have forgotten, but just to tickle your little gray cells, here comes a friendly reminder from us to you. Tomorrow night is when some serious awesome is gonna go down over at the Velvet Lounge, and we sure do hope you're gonna be there with us to enjoy it. To reiterate, here is what you need to know. See you tomorrow night.

We're pleased as punch to be sponsoring one heck of a doozy of a show, if I do say so myself. I guarandamntee the Velvet Lounge is the place to be on Friday, November 5th. If you've got plans, break 'em. A date? Bring 'em along! Bring your mama, your best friend, and your side piece for what will without a doubt be one heck of a show. For starters, Baltimore's (and DC's) Sister Ex will bring some rock to the table. Then, Boston's own Boy Without God will bring a little beauty to your life. To cap it off, we've finagled not one but two of our pet bands into playing for the enjoyment of each and every one of you: Seas (DC) and The Loom (NYC). See how much we love y'all? There is so much goodness to be had I just don't know what to do with myself. And all for the bargain bonanza price of $8. Seriously. SERIOUSLY.


mp3: Narrows (Seas from Now My Home Is A Beech Tree)

Newsflash: John Olsson Dead at 78

I've got a really big case of the sads this evening, my friends. I just heard the no good news that John Olsson, otherwise known to legions of Washingtonians as founder and guiding force between much-loved and much-missed book/music hybrid chain Olssons, had died on October 28th of a heart attack at the age of 78. The Post has all the details.

This loss isn't just sad because of what Olsson did for Washington. It's got personal resonance, too. I spent a couple very happy years at the Olssons on 7th Street in Penn Quarter, doling out sage and frequently unsolicited music advice, and will always consider those days some of the happiest and most professionally (and personally) fulfilling of my entire life. The people I met there, the friends I worked with, the things I learned...so much goodness crammed into such a short span of time, and none of it would have been possible without Mr. Olsson. He touched so many lives, be it directly or indirectly as the case may be, and it truly saddens me to reflect on the death of a Washington institution. I will forever curse the Big Bad Corporate Bookstores for leading to the demise of local places, not just here, but all over the dang place. DC was already a slightly duller place without the Olssons chain, and now it is even duller without the man himself. Rest in peace, Mr. Olsson. You are already missed.

[Photo by James A. Parcell]

Newsflash!: We're Throwing a Rock'n'Roll Party!

That's right, little darlings! Your favorite sassypants music scribes are helping to bring together some seriously spectacular bands for a night of live music fantabulousness! Those of you with the keen eye have probably already spotted this little event on our calendar over yonder, but to announce it all official-like, here goes. We're tingly all over just thinking about it, let me tell you.

We're pleased as punch to be sponsoring one heck of a doozy of a show, if I do say so myself. I guarandamntee the Velvet Lounge is the place to be on Friday, November 5th. If you've got plans, break 'em. A date? Bring 'em along! Bring your mama, your best friend, and your side piece for what will without a doubt be one heck of a show. For starters, Baltimore's (and DC's) Sister Ex will bring some rock to the table. Then, Boston's own Boy Without God will bring a little beauty to your life. To cap it off, we've finagled not one but two of our pet bands into playing for the enjoyment of each and every one of you: Seas (DC) and The Loom (NYC). See how much we love y'all? There is so much goodness to be had I just don't know what to do with myself. And all for the bargain bonanza price of $8. Seriously.

We hope to see all of your beautiful, shining faces on November 5th. We're looking forward to it immensely, and hope you will to, as you ink it down on your calendars/enter it into whatever iPhone app you've got for such occasions.

mp3: Narrows (Seas from Now My Home Is A Beech Tree)

Newsflash: Story/Stereo With John Davis Tonight!

Hey local kids! Are you hunting for something to do this evening, other than the oh-so predictable Friday night out binge drinking with the hugely regrettable Saturday hangover? Get yourself out of the gutter and up to Bethesda for some quality, wholesome entertainment at The Writer's Center. Story/Stereo is kicking off its second season with local music mainstay John Davis (Q & Not U, Georgie James, Title Tracks), who will do a short solo set as well as a set with bandmates after readings by two of the Writing Center's Emerging Writer Fellows. A night of smashing music and splendid literature is sure to ensue. If I wasn't already booked I'd be there in a heartbeat. So friends, the festivities get underway at 8 pm sharp. Get your skates on.

[photo by Shervin Lainez]

Newsflash: BiMA Fest 2010!

So, it just so happens that we two sometimes (often) get so busy covering all the fun stuff in our neck of the woods that we sometimes (often) forget about our fabulous neighbors to the north. No, not Canada. I'm talkin' 'bout Charm City, baby, otherwise known as Baltimore.

There's a whole lot of righteous stuff going on up in Balto these days, which we DC folks can shamefully tend to forget, not least of which is the 2010, brand spankin' new edition of the Baltimore Independent Music & Arts Festival (aka BiMA). I'm super psyched because I've been in festival withdrawl this year, and the convenience of it all makes me feel very spoiled indeed. Not only will BiMA be celebrating some of the best that Baltimore has to offer in terms of music and other arty happenings, but they've pulled in some excellent out-of-towners to boot (for example, I'll be hitting the Churchkey Records showcase for damn sure). Check out the schedule here (and remember kids, as life is forever changing, so too could the schedule), and don't make any plans for next weekend (that'll be August 26th-28th, to be exact). Expect, of course, a detailed commentary by yours truly, since I'll be to-ing and fro-ing all weekend long.

Be there or be square, y'all!

mp3: Streets of Baltimore (Gram Parsons from GP)

Update: Programmaticalness

It's hotter than Satan's underwear down here in the DC metro area, and as a delicate Southern belle I feel it imperative that I get the hell outta Dodge (or Hell) and escape to cooler, calmer climes. With way less humidity. So yours truly is headed to the shade of Wisconsin's North Woods for a few glorious, lake-filled days.

What all this means, little lights of my life, is that it's entirely possible I will not find internet in the wilds of the woods. And seeing as my erstwhile partner in crime is still deservedly recouping from going under the knife, well, things might be a little quiet for a few days.

But I promise, we still love you. Catch y'all on the flip side.

Newsflash: Win Tickets to Northside Festival 2010!

Hey you. Yes, you. Got plans for June 24-27? No? Great. Yeah? Change 'em! You'll wanna be headed to NYC for the Northside Festival, believe you me. Put down whatever it is you think you have to do next Thursday through next Sunday, because it can't possibly be as exciting as the goodness the folks at The L have cooked up. An entire weekend of band after band after band after band...what could be better?

Oh yeah. Maybe getting to go for free, VIP-style! You got it, friends. You and your bff or bf/gf could be headed the Northside for some major VIP action (grand prize winner gets 2 VIP badges, plus a tee shirt, AND a 3G iPad!). There are other prizes to be had as well, including regular festival access badges. Check out all the details here.

To whet your appetite, here's just a small smattering of the bands who will be performing at this year's Northside: Wavves, Reading Rainbow, Jucifer, Violens, Au Revoir Simone, Young Mammals, Cat Martino, The Fresh & Onlys, Woods, Hooray for Earth, Class Actress, Fang Island, The So So Glos, Takka Takka, Elvis Perkins In Dearland, Sondre Lerche, Les Savy Fav, The Golden Filter, Liars, Thieving Irons, Fucked Up, Real Estate, Islands, Grooms, AND LET faves These United States, Harper Blynn, The Black Hollies, Vandaveer, and La Strada. And that, my loves, is just the tip of the icerberg. So what are you waiting for??? Go get yourself entered! Good luck and godspeed.

mp3: Julia (La Strada from New Home)

mp3: Get Yourself Home (These United States from Crimes)

mp3: Invisible Forces (The Fresh & Onlys from Grey-Eyed Girls)