:: mike errico diary ::

:: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 ::

more shots. click here.

Favorite:



:: mike 7:10 AM [+] ::

Happy Holidays.


The Holiday Show this year surpassed all of them, in joy, attendance, music, Omens... just everything.


some photos were posted here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kookooface/sets/1639453/

post a complaint
:: mike 9:34 PM [+] ::

Holiday Hotties on Myspace:

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=40700571
(Who I'd like to meet: Clarice -- Rudolph tells me she's very nice!)

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=27039859
(When Santa Rudolph and his friends come back I plan a special party but during the year we all just hang out and guess what I am now pregnate can you belive it!Rudolph is in my top 8)

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=648411
(Who I'd like to meet: Lizadies who want to melt in my clutch.)

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=39953999
(Smoke / Drink: No / Yes Body type: 4' 6")

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=38285597
(Television: Do you think I watch tv when I'm too busy ruining peoples lives?)

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=23204968
(About me: "I came out of u this afterNoon".)

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=35671545
(Status: Swinger // General interest: Tickle fights, eating cookie dough)

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=38994267
(Rudolph does not accept add requests from bands)

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=38449433
(About me: *heart* playing with the elves.)

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=37853172
(I'm coming!)
:: mike 12:11 PM [+] ::

Lesley, with another rave review, in


CLICK HERE
:: mike 8:23 AM [+] ::

God damn it's cold. Already.




There. That's better.


post a complaint.
:: mike 2:05 PM [+] ::

up late with some chilled vodka and my bass. wrote the bass line for "packing my bags." i felt roger waters walk into the room.




post a hallucination.
:: mike 12:18 PM [+] ::

Blake and I have sketched out five of the new songs for the record.

Something New
Whatever You Say
Ever Since
Packing My Bags
Sweet Anesthesia

This is going be fun.

Meanwhile:

Check out this ROCK AND ROLL HOLIDAY HOUSE.

And tell me, Why is it always "A fool and his MONEY are soon parted"? How about a fool and his TIME?


post a complaint.
:: mike 9:02 AM [+] ::

For those who don't know much about Lesley Gore, this from Billboard

Billboard magazine, November 26, 2005

Quincy Jones: QUINCY'S TOP 50 HITS
Quincy Jones is credited as an artist with 13 chart entries on The Billboard Hot 100 and 25 chart entries on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. His first was "Killer Joe," which cracked both charts in May 1970. In later years, his albums of collaborations with other jazz, pop and R&B stars yielded some of his top charting hits.

"Back on the Block" in 1989, for example, included the singles "I'll Be Good to You," featuring Ray Charles and Chaka Khan, and "The Secret Garden," featuring Al B. Sure!, James Ingram, El DeBarge and Barry White. Both hit No. 1.

Those two songs are included in this ranking of Jones' top 50 hits on the Hot 100 as a producer. Not surprisingly, however, this chart is dominated by songs Jones produced but did not perform—most notably the record-setting string of hits he recorded with Michael Jackson for the albums "Off the Wall," "Thriller" and "Bad." ••••

Data compiled by Chart Beat columnist Fred Bronson, based on a point system developed for the third edition of "Billboard's Hottest Hot 100 Hits."

1 Michael Jackson Billie Jean 1983 Epic

2 Michael Jackson Rock With You 1980 Epic

3 Michael Jackson Beat It 1983 Epic

4 USA for Africa We Are the World 1985 Columbia

5 Lesley Gore It's My Party 1963 Mercury

6 Patti Austin with James Ingram Baby, Come to Me 1983 Qwest

7 Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney The Girl Is Mine 1983 Epic

8 Michael Jackson Man in the Mirror 1988 Epic

9 Michael Jackson Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough 1979 Epic

10 Michael Jackson and Siedah Garrett I Just Can't Stop Loving You 1987 Epic

11 Lesley Gore You Don't Own Me 1964 Mercury

12 Michael Jackson Bad 1987 Epic

13 Michael Jackson The Way You Make Me Feel 1988 Epic

14 Michael Jackson Dirty Diana 1988 Epic

15 Brothers Johnson I'll Be Good to You 1976 A&M

16 George Benson Give Me the Night 1980 Warner Bros.

17 Brothers Johnson Stomp! 1980 A&M

18 Michael Jackson Thriller 1984 Epic

19 Michael Jackson Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 1983 Epic

20 Lesley Gore She's a Fool 1963 Mercury

21 Brothers Johnson Strawberry Letter 23 1977 A&M

22 Donna Summer Love Is in Control 1982 Geffen

23 Michael Jackson Human Nature 1983 Epic

24 Michael Jackson She's out of My Life 1980 Epic

25 Michael Jackson Off the Wall 1980 Epic

26 Lesley Gore Judy's Turn to Cry 1963 Mercury

27 Michael Jackson Smooth Criminal 1989 Epic

28 Quincy Jones feat. James Ingram Just Once 1981 A&M

29 Aretha Franklin Angel 1973 Atlantic

30 Michael Jackson P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) 1983 Epic

31 Michael Jackson Another Part of Me 1980 Epic

32 James Ingram with Michael McDonald Yah Mo B There 1984 Qwest

33 Quincy Jones feat. James Ingram One Hundred Ways 1982 A&M

34 Quincy Jones feat. Ray Charles and Chaka Khan I'll Be Good to You 1990 Qwest

35 Lesley Gore That's the Way Boys Are 1964 Mercury

36 Lesley Gore Maybe I Know 1964 Mercury

37 Lesley Gore Sunshine, Lollipops & Rainbows 1965 Mercury

38 Quincy Jones Stuff Like That 1978 A&M

39 Lesley Gore Look of Love 1965 Mercury

40 Quincy Jones Ai No Corrida 1981 A&M

41 Donna Summer The Woman in Me 1983 Geffen

42 Brothers Johnson Get the Funk Out Ma Face 1976 A&M

43 James Ingram & Patti Austin How Do You Keep the Music Playing 1983 Qwest

44 Rufus and Chaka Khan Do You Love What You Feel 1980 MCA

45 Quincy Jones feat. El DeBarge,

James Ingram, Barry White and Al B. Sure! The Secret Garden 1990 Qwest

46 Aretha Franklin Master of Eyes 1973 Atlantic

47 Lesley Gore My Town, My Guy and Me 1965 Mercury

48 Donna Summer State of Independence 1982 Geffen

49 Diana Ross and Michael Jackson Ease On Down the Road 1978 MCA

50 Lesley Gore I Don't Wanna Be a Loser 1964 Mercury
:: mike 9:33 AM [+] ::

One of my favorite new bands, Look What I Did. Here's their video. Takes a while to load. For fans of King's X, System of a Down, explosions.


Post a complaint.
:: mike 1:03 PM [+] ::

A bad workman blames his tools. Or picks the wrong ones.

Sweet Child of Mine.

post a complaint.
:: mike 11:11 AM [+] ::

This beats the crap out of Madonna's version: CLICK HERE


post a complaint.



.
:: mike 12:17 PM [+] ::

Just like the real thing: CLICK




post a sweet comment.
:: mike 4:07 PM [+] ::

Any Port in a Storm
for STUFF magazine

Port wine is one of the great mysteries of alcohol: It doesn't come in keg, or six-pack form, so most guys don't realize it's the classiest way to end an evening (or start a morning). To prove it to you, Mike Errico and Cory Jones broke down six top-notch ports with the help of Bartholomew Broadbent, one of the leading experts on port in the world.

www.stuffmagazine.com/articles/index.aspx?id=1218


post a hangover.
:: mike 10:24 AM [+] ::

Feel free to lose your mind by clicking here.

Don't blame me. You clicked it.


post a comment.
:: mike 2:23 PM [+] ::

CB's Gallery - played another show. NOW the songs have jumped to life. It was really really intense. They're getting under my hands.

Every show, up three levels.

Same set as Living Room, with encore: "It's Better Here" - done quieter, and stronger.

This is good.


post a comment.
:: mike 3:33 PM [+] ::

Second Living Room show is over. Amazing. 10 new songs, and so much to process. I feel some itching to be recorded, and to be included with my best work. I can't believe how good that feels. Others need just a tweak or two, they just want a little structural work. A paint job. Minor buffing around the chrome. And they're going to kill, too. And they all have to find their way into my voice - which means I have to just run them, practice, play out, and all of that. I can't wait for the next show. Tonight, with Ari Hest at CB's. I need to hear them in the live context, out of the controlled environment of the lab.

post a comment.
:: mike 8:42 AM [+] ::

I mean, Buffalo '66 was good and all, but...



post a comment.
:: mike 8:09 AM [+] ::

Sat down last night with some very expensive tequila (thank you STUFF magazine liquor reviews), and recorded the bassline for "Something New" - it's pretty damn fine. A great, quiet night at home with a ton of noise as the main feature.




post a comment
:: mike 12:24 PM [+] ::

Wait. The importance level is... high?

Subject: NEW - LINDSAY LOHAN VIDEO CLIP!
Importance: High

Hey There,

Here is the new 30 sec clip of Lindsay Lohan's "Confessions Of A Broken Heart (Father to Daughter)." The video was directed by Lindsay herself and reflects the personal nature of the song. Although it's only a 30 sec clip, this is your chance to get a glimpse of the video that everyone is talking about. Also, if you haven't already posted the audio on your site, I've included the streams below.

Lindsay Lohan "Confessions Of A Broken Heart (Daughter To Father)" VIDEO CLIP
from the forthcoming A Little More Personal (Raw)

http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/universalmotown/casablanca/lindsay_lohan/video/00_confessionsofabrokenheart-daughtertofather-30s.asx

http://boss.streamos.com/real/universalmotown/casablanca/lindsay_lohan/video/00_confessionsofabrokenheart-daughtertofather-30s.ram

Lindsay Lohan "Confessions Of A Broken Heart (Daughter To Father)" AUDIO

from the forthcoming A Little More Personal (Raw)

http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/universalmotown/universal/lindsay_lohan/audio/confessions_of_a_broken_heart.asx

http://boss.streamos.com/real/universalmotown/universal/lindsay_lohan/audio/confessions_of_a_broken_heart.ram

For More Assets, please check our Asset Manager
:: mike 8:03 AM [+] ::

post a comment.


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:: mike 12:45 PM [+] ::

xxCryBabyxx: I am outgoing and random, I like to do things on a wim. http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=33072865&Mytoken=137025FD-1280-10DD-DC2714F907EA3E9B45767090

Dorkus1337: i love that she's offended some losers want to fuck her

xxCryBabyxx: yeah, how are the guys getting the wrong impression? That's not what she's about, man.

Dorkus1337: i'm commenting...oh, wait, i can't. crap.

xxCryBabyxx: no, you have to be a 'friend'. you are clearly not.

Dorkus1337: i messaged her.

xxCryBabyxx: what did you say?

Dorkus1337: I told her it's spelled "whim"

xxCryBabyxx: HA. You corrected her spelling? Dude, you're never going to get nude photos now.

Dorkus1337: i'm going a diferent route.

xxCryBabyxx: Good thinking. If there's anything a lady loves, it's a stranger correcting her spelling.

Dorkus1337: Pimp hand...strong.



post a comment.
:: mike 11:20 AM [+] ::

post a comment.
:: mike 2:47 PM [+] ::

I get great mail:


Subject: HELLOWEEN - interviews for North American press outlets announced

"The benchmark by which most every power metal band is still measured"
- ALL MUSIC GUIDE

Helloween vocalist Andi Deris is currently taking interview requests, so any North American interview requests can be directed to Earsplit. He's generally available in the afternoon and evening hours most weekdays, so get me your best slots and we'll make sure you're taken care of. Thanks!
-dave

------------
SPV USA is proud to bring you a true heavy metal event:
HELLOWEEN's "KEEPER OF THE SEVEN KEYS: THE LEGACY"

Undoubtedly one of the most influential heavy metal bands to spring forth from the 1980s, HELLOWEEN proves to be one of the primary architects of today's power metal sound. Combining the melodic elements of masters like Judas Priest with the hard-edged speed metal sensibilities of the early thrash scene, HELLOWEEN crystallized these sonic ingredients into one singular force, becoming legends in the process.

Formed in Hamburg, Germany by guitarists Kai Hansen and Michael Weikath, bassist Markus Grosskopf, and drummer Ingo Schwichtenberg, HELLOWEEN released its self-titled debut in early 1985. The band soon found an international audience with its full-length "Walls of Jericho" album, as fans and critics gushed over the band's thrash-fueled interpretation of classic heavy metal. The band was ready for the big time, and evidently, the big time was ready for them as well!

In 1987, the arrival of "Keeper of the Seven Keys, Pt. 1" was a landmark recording and the single most influential power metal album to date. It proved to be an inspiration to the next generation of metal musicians worldwide and is still revered today. Extensive global touring cemented their place among the greats, and the band set off to out-do themselves once again with "Keeper of the Seven Keys, Pt. 2."

While the world was opening up to their sound, internal troubles at the time kept the band from moving into the upper stratosphere: line-up changes (including the passing of original drummer Ingo Schwichtenberg) proved a major challenge to the band, yet rather than quit, they simply re-invented themselves. Over the next decade, HELLOWEEN went on to release some startlingly forward-thinking and experimental metal records, with the group always trying to push their abilities as songwriters.

Today, all has come full-circle with the release of "Keeper of the Seven Keys: The Legacy." This double-album is perhaps the truest reflection of the career of the band, combining their sincere hard-edged metal sensibilities with a flair for crafting memorable melodies that often wander far outside of the traditional. Forget the standard 'focus tracks' and the like: this album is meant to be enjoyed as a whole, as any great metal record should be. This is a undeniably grand return for the masters of HELLOWEEN!
:: mike 12:33 PM [+] ::

New article: Across The Narrows festival - with photos and video.

I think my Polyphonic Spree shots are my favorites


ACROSS THE NARROWS ARTICLE FOR BLENDER


post a comment.
:: mike 7:09 AM [+] ::

Last night's set. Psyched.

SOMETHING NEW
GIRLFRIEND WEATHER
YOU COULD BE ANYWHERE
HOW IT ENDS
RUN
EVER SINCE
WHATEVER YOU SAY
PACKING MY BAGS
OK TO GO
GRACE

Now, off to Vegas.
:: mike 6:59 AM [+] ::

Working on the set of new stuff for tomorrow. Should be 80% - 90% brand-new material. Let's see what flies. I'll let you know.

Blender article about Across the Narrows, with photos, has been submitted, accepted.

Tickets to Las Vegas have arrived. Hitting two shows with Lesley out there. Should be a whirlwind.
:: mike 3:44 PM [+] ::

The feel-good movie of the autumn.




post a comment.


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:: mike 12:03 PM [+] ::

World Cafe sounded great, I think. Not sure how many songs made the radio cut but three strong ones were on the NPR stream (which is probably archived, and still up).

Another one of my pictures hit the ASCAP interview with Lesley in PLAYBACK magazine. I really really like that shot.

Went to Across The Narrows festival, covering it for Blender. I shot it, too, and we'll see how that comes out. I think I got great shots of Beck, Polyphonic Spree, Rilo Kiley, Raveonettes, Death From Above, Mando Diao, Belle and Sebastian, Built to Spill, and a bunch of others. Fingers crossed.

post a comment.
:: mike 1:19 PM [+] ::

WhiningBitch: http://www.myspace.com/kailayu. "I'm also a realtor, so contact me if you're buying or selling!"

XxCRYBABYxx: holy jesus

WhiningBitch: the music is incredible, perfect plastic, all about going to the club...the club...the club.

XxCRYBABYxx: ah, the club.

WhiningBitch: where is this club?

XxCRYBABYxx: And which way to the VIP. WTF.

WhiningBitch: "The Club"...it's a sandwich, to me

XxCRYBABYxx: maybe that's what she's talking about

WhiningBitch: "In Da Club...sandwich"

XxCRYBABYxx: Why are hos always going to the club?

WhiningBitch: what are they going to do, read "Slaughterhouse Five"?

XxCRYBABYxx: right but why not like...apple picking...or the ice rink?

WhiningBitch: wouldn't this just be a nicer place if the hos switched to apple picking.

XxCRYBABYxx: all the VIP rooms would be empty.

WhiningBitch: the orchards would be teeming with idiocy.

XxCRYBABYxx: is there scientifically verifiable information that says dumb people like bad music?

WhiningBitch: i don't know, but i love kylie minogue for the same reason, I think. it's mental intercourse with a musical blowup doll. That superficiality and nothingness is a kind of death. A finality.

XxCRYBABYxx: shut up

WhiningBitch: Death! Death, I say!

XxCRYBABYxx: i dunno

WhiningBitch: there just is nothing to find in any of the details of the work presented. it's like a basement in a Sartre novel.

XxCRYBABYxx: do stupid people gravitate to stupid music or is it learned?

WhiningBitch: both. i think community reinforces their desire to have Cristal dumped on their breasts. that kind of self-loathing is not innate, or we'd see similar behavior in other mammals.

XxCRYBABYxx: hmmm

WhiningBitch: meanwhile, talk about gravitating to stupidity, I'm surfing myspace all day: http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=94339&friendName=Myla+Leigh+Chenoa&Mytoken=367666D9-B1A9-4AEA-A62E84A70BF2D3741292480984

XxCRYBABYxx: brilliant

WhiningBitch: I am every bit as stupid as everyone I think is stupid.

XxCRYBABYxx: bullshit

WhiningBitch: gotta stop asking asian strippers from ft. Lauderdale to go to brunch.

XxCRYBABYxx: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=71676&Mytoken=06E43BCE-BED9-46A4-92BB9E130BCEEBBA1102443343

WhiningBitch: Interests: razor blades, birthday parties, Ted Bundy, hot pink lipstick, Chanel purses, dirty underwear, cum stains, insomnia, fake eyelashes, slit wrists, beauty queens

XxCRYBABYxx: fuck yes

WhiningBitch: take her apple picking.

XxCRYBABYxx: I think I have.
:: mike 5:06 PM [+] ::

so much happening, it's hard to put it in sentence form. i just clog up with stuff. i'll bullet point.


- went over to my sister's house, played her the songs for the new record. really weird to hear them, such infants, so unsure of themselves right now. even the heavier ones, the bright and shiny pop ones. they are wandering around in my voice, not sure how they want to come out. it's very discombobulating, and also incredibly affirming. there are some absolute killers on this next one. and it takes a lot for me to say stuff like that about my own work.

- friday night - huge flood in my apartment. my studio wasn't affected, but it rained in my bedroom, and traveled five more floors down the building. I'd just gotten a new queen size bed. apparently it was not the right one. It's now a queen sized sponge, and weighs about 2500 pounds. the place is a disaster, but somehow the episode felt cleansing, as it occured on the anniversary of the release of Skimming.

- World Cafe performance with Lesley will air this week. I'm psyched for her, and think we played great. WXPN in Philly has been so supportive of me, and reached out to her, too.

- so much else, just ridiculous. it's a blur. i'll sort it out, dole it on a need to know basis.


post a comment.
:: mike 9:36 AM [+] ::

Response to the last post:

dude you don't know how appropriate that was. im in l.a. living in a
garage with large waterbugs and a motorcycle. plumbing is difficult,
shaving not so possible. luckily i can shower at a distant location
once in three days.


ah, life.



post a comment.
:: mike 11:04 AM [+] ::

Boy, do the Germans get goofy in October.



post a comment




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:: mike 1:16 PM [+] ::

Third meeting with Blake - "Whatever You Say" is locked shut, and is great. It'll make 'not so sad' sound mellow. "Please Stop Leaving" took a huge step forward - the verses are changed entirely. "The Big Vacation" is now no longer called that at all, and is now called "It's Better Here". I think. It is. Better, I mean. It used to be all quiet and fingerpicky, but no more. It's cooler, and makes room for "Packing My Bags" which is my favorite song on the record, right now. It's the song I play when I'm sitting around, thinking.



post a comment



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:: mike 12:40 PM [+] ::

Philly, sold out. Strong show, and this guy, who silkscreened a Tshirt of a press photo I took of Lesley. Pretty cool. He also had 3 tattoos of Lesley on his arm. That's a fan.



post a comment
:: mike 12:26 PM [+] ::

Book review of VENUSIA, a new sci fi novel, in MAXIM magazine. Man, this book is great.

To read the MAXIM review, CLICK HERE



post a comment
:: mike 8:10 AM [+] ::

Your word of the day.

Sophist
Any of a group of professional fifth-century B.C. Greek philosophers and teachers who speculated on theology, metaphysics, and the sciences, and who were later characterized by Plato as superficial manipulators of rhetoric and dialectic.

soph·is·try
n. pl. soph·is·tries
- A deliberately invalid argument displaying ingenuity in reasoning in the hope of deceiving someone.
- Plausible but fallacious argumentation.
:: mike 8:01 AM [+] ::

With Lesley, in Hicksville, NY this month. Fun show, a couple thousand folks came out and brought hotrods from the '60s and all. For guitar geeks, yeah, that's a 1967 Gretsch Country Gentleman. Sounds so good, I can't stand it sometimes. You'll be seeing a lot more of it.



post a comment
:: mike 2:20 PM [+] ::

a guilty pleasure.

so, shoot me.

post a comment




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:: mike 9:28 AM [+] ::

For the love of all things holy, get this record.

It's just beautiful.

Thank you Frank.



post a comment




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:: mike 3:53 PM [+] ::

I generally hate mash-ups. Anyone with a Mac and too much time can do them. But still, I thought this Eminem mash was funny.



post a comment




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:: mike 11:14 AM [+] ::

Music can be an ugly business, but this is beautiful: CLICK HERE.


post a comment



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:: mike 2:26 PM [+] ::

Over the weekend, I played the second half of my new batch of songs for Blake.

OK To Go
Packing My Bags
Something New
(some song that may be named something else, but walked in as "The Big Vacation")
How it Ends
Please Stop Leaving

And one more, I think. A lot are in great shape, just walking in the door. We kicked the tires on a few of them, switched a couple things, and I have some homework to do on a couple. But it's all really strong. I'm really happy with these songs.


post a comment

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:: mike 8:00 AM [+] ::

Lesley Gore, sold out, Joe's Pub 8/15/05

The last of five sold out shows, and I'm told, the best one. Certainly the loosest, with the most spirit, especially from Lesley, who was on fire. What an amazing run. Thanks for all of you who came out.

A new site has gone up, with another one of my shots: CLICK HERE.


post a comment


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:: mike 7:54 AM [+] ::

Too much time on your hands? Let this help out.


I'm on a somewhat respectable level 6.


post a comment
:: mike 3:00 PM [+] ::

Yesterday, I sat down with Blake to play him the first of the new songs for my next record. I think it went really well. It's going to be a good one, I think. Songs I played him so far are
Run
Ever Since (like we don't know that one by now)
You Could Be Anywhere
Whatever You Say
Girlfriend Weather
Sweet Anesthesia

Blake came up with some cool edit concepts, many of which have strengthened the music, I think. We didn't get through the whole record, and when I got back home, I just fell asleep for two hours. It's amazing seeing the process starting up again. I'm really proud of these songs, and think a great record will come of them.

Today we travel to WFMU to record live on the air with Lesley. Tomorrow we drive to Philly and tape "World Cafe". It is non-friggin-stop around here.



post a comment
:: mike 7:52 AM [+] ::

Lesley Gore, sold out, Joe's Pub, 8/1/05

Great, great show. God, I love playing "California Nights." That's a fun one. I never knew it before all this. It's a great song.

Liz Phair was the early show. It was fun to see them together.


:: mike 1:32 PM [+] ::

Sirius radio interviews were amazing: They're staggering out, now - The Wiseguys, Out Q, David Johansen's "Disorder", Cousin Brucie, and Little Steven's "Underground Garage", upcoming.

Parsippany, NJ Outdoor concert - beautiful to watch the sunset from the stage. Thanks for coming out.

Joe's Pub Update: Aug. 15 is now sold out. There are just a couple tix left for Aug. 1. www.joespub.com.


post a comment

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:: mike 9:33 AM [+] ::

Lesley Gore, sold out, 7/26, Joe's Pub, NYC

Whoo! Best show yet. She was wide open, and just kicking ass. "Someday" tore the room up. The crowd is beginning to cheer the songs on the new record as well as the hits. They're at home, listening. It's cool.

My guitar had new strings on it, and sounded just unbelievable. I bought a Dualtone Rat distortion pedal, and I'm just about the happiest guitar gear dork on my block.


post a comment


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:: mike 11:22 AM [+] ::

Hey, everyone:

On behalf of Lesley and the band, thank you all for your warm embrace of Ever Since . This record represents another major step in a Hall of Fame caliber career, and you are among the first on board.

Below is a list of events that are in the works for Lesley. In addition to the many appearances she's already had, we are excited to announce that she will be on WNBC's Live At Five with Sue Simmons tonight between 5 and 6pm. Also, in the next two weeks, she will be taping World Cafewith David Dye, Chuck D.'s On The Real for Air America, and The Leonard Lopate Show on WNYC. Among press successes, a Jim Farber profile in the Sunday Daily News hit newsstands yesterday, and a Ms. magazine four-page Q&A with Kathleen Hanna from Le Tigre will land in September. Many more irons are in the fire, and we will keep you up to date as they confirm.

Recent and Upcoming Confirmed LIVE, PRESS, and RADIO/TV Events for Ever Since Campaign:

LIVE

06.28.05 - EVER SINCE RECORD RELEASE, JOE'S PUB, NYC (SOLD OUT)
07.19.05 - JOE'S PUB, NYC (SOLD OUT)
07.26.05 - JOE'S PUB, NYC (SOLD OUT)
07.28.05 - PARSIPPANY SUMMER CONCERT SERIES - PARSIPPANY, NJ
08.01.05 - JOE'S PUB, NYC (Special Show Added)
08.05.05 - MUSIC UNDER THE STARS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES - HICKSVILLE, NY
08.15.05 - JOE'S PUB, NYC (Special Show Added)
09.07.05 - PNC BANK ARTS CENTER - HOLMDEL, NJ
09.13.05 - TIN ANGEL - PHILADELPHIA, PA
09.16.05 - IRON HORSE MUSIC HALL - NORTHAMPTON, MA
09.24.05 - BODLES OPERA HOUSE - CHESTER, NY
10.07.05 - MOHEGAN SUN CASINO - UNCASVILLE, CT
10.08.05 - EMELIN THEATER (Fall Season Gala) - MAMARONECK, NY
10.15.05 - CASABLANCA RESORT AND CASINO - MESQUITE, NV
10.29.05 - HALF HALLOW HILLS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER - DIX HILLS, NY
12.03.05 - COLDEN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS - FLUSHING, NY

PRESS

06.14.05 - VILLAGE VOICE, Michael Musto Column Feature
Writer: Michael Musto
06.16.05 - DAN'S PAPERS Profile
Writer: Staff
06.22.05 - VILLAGE VOICE's "Voice's Choices" (recurring)
Writer: Staff
06.22.05 - TIME OUT NEW YORK "Hot Seat" Profile
Writer: Beth Greenfield
06.24.05 - AFTERELLEN.COM Extensive Interview and Career Profile (http://www.afterellen.com)
Writer: Shauna Swartz
07.05.05 - BILLBOARD MAGAZINE, Feature Profile
Writer: Jim Bessman
07.19.05 - NEW YORK DAILY NEWS Profile
Writer: Harriet Lyons
07.21.05 - ALLMUSIC.COM Feature Review (http://www.allmusic.com)
Writer: Joe Viglione
07.24.05 - SUNDAY NEW YORK DAILY NEWS, Feature Music Profile
Writer: Jim Farber
08.15.05 - USA TODAY, Interview for Feature Article on "American Idols"
Writer: Elysa Gardner
09.01.05 - MS. MAGAZINE Feature Q&A with Le Tigre's Kathleen Hanna
Editor: Robin Morgan
09.07.05 - BERKSHIRE EAGLE Review, Pre-press for Radio Show/Performance
Writer: Dave Madeloni
10.15.05 - PLAYBACK MAGAZINE Feature Q&A
Writer: Brendan Okrent
11.01.05 - ROCKRGRL MAGAZINE, Feature Profile
Writer: Audrey Bilger

(MORE TO COME)

RADIO/TV

06.14.05 - JOEY REYNOLDS SHOW (WOR, Syndicated)
Host: Joey Reynolds
06.20.05 - IN THE LIFE (PBS) Recurring Appearance
Host: varied
06.22.05 - MORNING SEDITION (AIR AMERICA RADIO, XM) Feature Interview and Live Performance
Host: Marc Maron
06.24.05 - THE MICKEY BURNS SHOW (Quest Media) Feature Interview
Host: Mickey Burns
06.30.05 - BORDER CROSSINGS (VOICE OF AMERICA, International) Interview and Live Performance with Full Band
Host: Larry London
06.30.05 - PHLASH PHELPS SHOW, (XM Radio) Feature Interview
Host: Phlash Phelps
07.07.05 - GAY TV USA (MCN) Feature Interview
Host: Andy Humm
07.06.05 - BREEZE RADIO NETWORK (Syndicated)
Host: Lauren Pressley
07.10.05 - THE SONG IS YOU (WLIU) Feature Interview
Host: Bonnie Grice
07.12.05 - HOT WAX DAILY (Syndicated)
Host: Mike McCann
07.15.05 - THE MORNING SHOW WITH ASHLEY (WRMX, WTXM) Feature Interview
Host: Ashley Adams
07.25.05 - LIVE AT FIVE (WNBC-TV) Feature Interview
Host: Sue Simmons
07.27.05 - OUT Q (SIRIUS) Interview and Live Call In
Host: Larry Flick
07.27.05 - LITTLE STEVEN'S UNDERGROUND GARAGE (SIRIUS, Syndicated) Feature Interview
Host: Steven Van Zant
07.27.05 - THE DAVID JOHANSEN SHOW (SIRIUS, Syndicated) Feature Interview
Host: David Johansen
07.27.05 - THE WISEGUY SHOW (SIRIUS, Syndicated) Feature Interview
Host: Vincent "Big Pussy" Pastore
07.27.05 - COUSIN BRUCIE SHOW (SIRIUS, Syndicated) Feature Interview
Host: Cousin Brucie
07.31.05 - ON THE REAL (AIR AMERICA RADIO, XM) Feature Interview
Host: Chuck D.
08.02.05 - MARK SNYDER SHOW (WROR, WMJX, WBOS) Feature Interview
Host: Mark Snyder
08.03.05 - THE LEONARD LOPATE SHOW (WNYC) Feature Interview
Host: Leonard Lopate
08.08.05 - JONESVILLE (WFMU) Interview and Live Performance with Full Band
Host: Glen Jones
08.09.05 - WORLD CAFE WITH DAVID DYE (September Airing) (WXPN, Syndicated) Interview and Live Performance with Full Band
Host: David Dye
09.15.05 - MIXED BAG RADIO (WFUV/XM/ Syndicated) Interview and Live Performance with Full Band
Host: Pete Fornatale

(MORE TO COME)



post a comment
:: mike 1:48 PM [+] ::

Almost too much going on, and no time to write it out. I'll try and be more specific later.

Sun: Chuck D.'s "On The Real" airs on Air America (link below)
Supposedly, a Jim Farber record review comes out in the Sunday Daily News

Mon: Lesley does "Live at Five", with host Sue Simmons, on TV - I forget which network

Tues: Joe's Pub. Sold out.

Wed: Sirius radio blitz. She'll be interviewed by Little Steven for "Underground Garage;" Cousin Brucie; "The Wise Guys," hosted by Big Pussy from "The Sopranos;" Out Q radio; and David Johansen. Huge day.

Fri: Parsippany, NJ Festival. Details at the web site.



post a comment
:: mike 7:09 AM [+] ::

Let's put an end to the debate.
Source: RotoRooter.com

Did Thomas Crapper really invent the toilet?

The debate over who Thomas Crapper was, or even if there was a Thomas Crapper at all, continues. Below are some of the facts flushed out by Dr. Andy Gibbons, historian of the International Thomas Crapper Society, and Ken Grabowski, a researcher and author who is writing a book on Crapper's life.

Myth: Thomas Crapper as a person never existed.

Fact: Though we do not know his actual date of birth, we can say a man, Thomas Crapper, was probably born in September, 1836, since he was baptized the 28th of that month. He died on January 27, 1910.

Myth: Thomas Crapper invented the toilet.

Fact: Although from 1861 to 1904 Crapper did have a successful career in the plumbing industry, holding nine patents for plumbing-related products in England, he did not invent the toilet. Albert Giblin holds the 1819 British Patent for the Silent Valveless Water Waste Preventer, a system that allowed a toilet to flush effectively. Giblin worked for Crapper as an employee and the most likely scenario is that Crapper bought the patent rights from Giblin and marketed the device himself.

Myth: The word crap is derived from Thomas Crapper's name.

Fact: World War I doughboys passing through England saw the words T. Crapper Chelsea printed on the water tanks and coined the slang crapper meaning toilet.



post a comment
:: mike 2:14 PM [+] ::

Lesley Gore, sold out last night at Joe's Pub, NYC -- best show yet. We are really getting that looseness that comes with time together as a unit. We added "California Nights" into the set, which we hadn't played since Vegas, and played the hell out of it. This whole show is a very different thing, for me, and a breath of fresh air. People say they're surprised to see me with an electric guitar, and that's just crazy. Electric is my first instrument; acoustic came much later.

Today, Lesley hit a Tennessee radio interview with Ashley Adams, and then to Chuck D.'s "On The Real" show on Air America Radio. It will air on Sunday. Lesley has been saying some beautiful things about "Someday," about how she feels it is the sequel to "You Don't Own Me." She's said it in several interviews, now, and as a songwriter, I'm blown away by that.



post a comment
:: mike 1:13 PM [+] ::

The July 8 Air America Broadcast, featuring a duet of "Ever Since" with me and Lesley, is archived and downloadable HERE

Marc Marron hosting. The broadcast took place in Brooklyn, in the pouring rain. I think it went really well, and Lesley was totally on.



post a comment

.
:: mike 7:51 AM [+] ::

From: Michael Bolton Website
Date: July 18, 2005 2:10:59 PM EDT
To: "'web request - michael bolton web site'"
Subject: RE: You suck.

Thank you for taking the time out of your day to write Mr. Bolton a fan
letter. We appreciate all fan mail and thank you for your support.
MichaelBolton.com


-----Original Message-----
From: web request - michael bolton web site
Sent: Saturday, July 16, 2005 12:03 AM
To: inform1@boltonmusic.com
Subject: You suck.


Why do you suck?


Please stop singing. Please. You're a nice guy. Please spare us and let us
move on. Please.




post a comment

.
:: mike 12:14 PM [+] ::

A shout to my friends in Majestic Twelve in NC, who've picked up "Ever Since" and wrote really kind things about it. CHECK THEIR SITE OUT


Good people.


.
:: mike 10:18 AM [+] ::

Things you don't see every day: A SKATEBOARDING BULLDOG


.
:: mike 9:49 AM [+] ::

Things you don't hear every day: "Chuck D. called and wants you on his show." So, July 22nd, Lesley Gore will be taping for a July 24th airing of Chuck D.'s "On The Real" show on Air America/XM.

July 25, 7pm: Full band performance, live on WFMU with host Glen Jones. This is a fantastic New York station (one of the few), and there is a Web stream so you can check it out in other cities.

And - holy cow - Aug. 19th the band will be going down to Philly to tape World Cafe with David Dye. That show will air later in the year. I can't wait.


.
:: mike 8:45 AM [+] ::

This, from the Middle East TV network of Voice of America, which aired our Lesley Gore show. I haven't seen it, but heard it was fun, and that there are good shots of my guitar (a 1967 Gretsch Country Gentleman, for you guitar dorks out there). You'll need Real Player, and you'll need to follow the directions carefully, as the site is not in English. At all. Enjoy:

Mike- Here's something that might blow your mind. Go to www.voanews.com/persian then click on the link at the bottom called TV, then click on the last link on the right that says Next Chapter, and then click on the third file on the left side of the page.

When the video player opens up fast forward it to 13:30 and you will see the Lesley appearance which was a TV special aired on our Middle East Network.


.
:: mike 2:35 PM [+] ::

Blake's show went great. It was so cathartic to play that loud and sweat that much. The Marshall 4 x 12 was warm and gorgeous, and Flying V was crushing, though in the heat, it got a little hard to tune. Ah, who fucking cares. Ellinghaus (drummer) gave me the ultimate compliment: "You remind me of the guitar version...of me." I'll keep that for a long time. The crowd was strong and supportive, and the puppet show beforehand performed a really funny version of Jean Paul Sartre's "No Exit." I mean...puppets. You know? Lesley Gore came up to sing "Better Angels" and just blew the room away. The NYC Women Firefighters came up on stage and got a huge round of applause from grateful New Yorkers.


Then we all got shitfaced.


.
:: mike 9:18 AM [+] ::

Quick reminder (click on link): WEAR A SEATBELT


.
:: mike 12:02 PM [+] ::

I hope you were able to check out Air America (Web address is below) - I heard it sounded great over the air. Lesley and I did a duet of "Ever Since", with me playing the guitar on my lap, as the song was originally written. Marc Maron, the host, was phenomenal, totally pro, prepared, and... something else that starts with "p". Personable. Sure. He was that, too. Lesley told a great story about playing on Ed Sullivan, and watching Tony Bennett throwing up in a garbage can backstage from nerves. Comedian Shelly Berman bombed that night, and was so angry he stalked off stage, ripped off his toupee and threw it into the garbage can. I didn't get whether it was the same can. But it's a lovely image.

I've been getting asked about a Bounce commercial, and whether Lesley re-recorded "Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows" for it. She didn't. I don't know who that is. We're playing it live, with kind of a Coldplay/ "Ever Since" take, and it's going over really well.

Please keep your tequila recipes coming by writing me, or posting on the message board. (http://www.errico.com/messageboard.html) Some are God-awful sounding. Which is great.

Lesley will be making an appearance at Blake Morgan's release party this Tuesday, July 12 at Sin-E, NYC. She'll join us for "Better Angels", which Blake wrote. I will be on a Flying V, cranked up. Rehearsals have been deafening. It's been great. Details are in the tour section of my site, or again, on the message board.

.
:: mike 7:28 AM [+] ::

My tequila article has landed in STUFF magazine.

READ ARTICLE HERE

Now I have more expensive tequila in my place than I...well, I can figure out what to do with it. Of course, other tequila recipes (besides the ones I included in the article) have been coming in, so if you have one, leave it at the message board, or send it to me. Apparently shots just don't cut it this summer.


.
:: mike 9:01 PM [+] ::

We're hitting Air America's "Morning Sedition" on Friday morning. We'll be airing live, and most likely as a duo, me on guitar, and Lesley on vocals.

FIND A STATION IN YOUR AREA HERE.

Rehearsals are going well for Blake's CD release. It's nice to play a jet black flying V with the amp set to "crushkilldestroy".


.
:: mike 2:43 PM [+] ::

Lesley in Reuters: CLICK HERE

Things are moving pretty fast, now. You can tell, because the posts are getting shorter.
:: mike 1:28 PM [+] ::

Just back from DC, and radio for XM Satellite Radio, and Voice of America, which reaches 100 million listeners internationally. For the hour-long show CLICK HERE. I think it will be pulled in the next day or so, and then archived on the VOA site. Insane story to tell later, when there's a break in the action...
:: mike 10:40 AM [+] ::

Extended interview with Lesley on AfterEllen.com, with another one of my shots from the "Ever Since" shoot.

Hey - I learned stuff.


.
:: mike 8:17 AM [+] ::

RAMONES/LESLEY GORE CONNECTION
'nuf said.
:: mike 7:21 PM [+] ::

Lesley is in Time Out New York's "Hot Seat" this week. Back page, with a great animation of the cover of the record, and some insight into the new record. She's really good at being interviewed. That's a whole separate talent.
:: mike 9:37 AM [+] ::

Lesley hit the Joey Reynolds show this past Tuesday, which will be running over the weekend, and then replaying one more time late Sunday. She was hilarious, reminiscing with Joey about DJs, promoters, artists past and present. Joey loves the record, and likened her to Astrud Gilberto and Rosemary Clooney.
:: mike 12:43 PM [+] ::

Lesley just completed an interview with USA Today for a piece that should be coming out in the near future.

She also finished a Q&A with Le Tigre's Kathleen Hanna for Ms. magazine, for their autumn issue. I took the shots. Wild.

Lots going on...
:: mike 11:19 AM [+] ::

Taped Pete Fornatale's "Mixed Bag Radio" today, in the Gibson Showroom, which used to be the Hit Factory. The four of us picked up Carolyn Eufrasio from Shimmerplanet as a backup singer, and I think it went off great. Lesley was, of course, funny as hell, too.

segment one:
Ever Since (live)
It's My Party (original recording)
Not The First (live)

segment two:
You Don't Own Me (live)
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (from "When Pigs Fly" -- I'd played "You Shook Me All Night Long" when I was featured on the show, so Pete thought it was amazing that she's recorded AC/DC, too)
Someday (live)

segment three:
Out Here On My Own (Lesley solo piano, awesome)
California Nights (original recording)
It's Gone (live)

It should air in September.


.
:: mike 3:13 PM [+] ::

LEXA VONN/LESLEY GORE CONNECTION

Lexa fronts Ophelia Rising, a hardcore grrl band reminiscent of Bikini Kill and described as "the Go-Go's meets Marilyn Manson". She rose to unexpected notoriety by wearing a White Zombie T-shirt to her Massachusetts high school and getting thrown in jail on obscenity charges, an act which briefly inflamed the national debate on censorship. Ophelia Rising cut a dark, sinister version of "You Don't Own Me" on 2001's Step 1: Acknowledge You Are Part Of The System.

Interview with Lexa Vonn
Q: What made you decide on doing the Lesley Gore song?
A: Pretty much the lyrics. I thought, for a female to be saying those things and making those declarations was kind of a controversial thing and it was one of the earlier songs of declaration of feminine independence. And being able to have a strong interior underneath a very feminine exterior. Because she was... the epitome of blonde femininity, but that song, along with a lot of her other songs, were "fuck the husband and kids, I want to do my own thing."
:: mike 5:55 PM [+] ::

SHUDDER TO THINK/LESLEY GORE CONNECTION

Technically, "Own Me" is not really a "cover", but more of a "well-credited reimagining," although with it's chorus that reads, simply, "You don't own me..." it's hard to find where the original ends and the "reimagining" begins. Not that it matters much - it's a cool song. From a press clip: "1994's Pony Express Record is Shudder to Think's Big Rock Move, with production by Ted Nicely and a blast-out-of-the-speakers mix by Andy Wallace (of Nirvana's Nevermind fame). "Own Me" is a cunning Larson rewrite of Lesley Gore's "You Don't Own Me." Amazon has a clip of it here.


.
:: mike 3:10 PM [+] ::

RASPUTINA/LESLEY GORE CONNECTION

This all-grrrl cello society brushes with Lesley on their 1998 Columbia release, How We Quit The Forest. "It might have been the dealings with Marilyn Manson (on a remix EP)...but whatever caused their new edginess is most welcome. Rock music thrives on uncontrollable urges, primal desires and passion, and Rasputina manage to infuse these elements into their well structured string arrangements. And that doesn't just mean volume. Their take on the classic "You Don't Own Me" is a sultry, minimalistic one, which carefully builds into a frenetic cry of empowerment."
:: mike 2:58 PM [+] ::

Thanks to all of you for coming out to two packed shows at Club Cafe in Pittsburgh. Thanks to Bill Deasy for putting on a great show, and putting me up for the night, too. I hope you check him out, if you haven't yet. www.billdeasy.com

Special thanks to Suzanne who worked the merchandise table for both shows.



.
:: mike 2:28 PM [+] ::

KLAUS NOMI/LESLEY GORE connection

dude:

can't believe you have not yet hit on the lesley gore-klaus nomi connection.

"Through then-RCA artist David Bowie's connections, the Klaus Nomi LP appeared on French RCA in late 1981. Side One closed with a razor sharp "metal" reinterpretation of Lesley Gore's "You Don't Own Me" (1963), complete with wailing female back-up singers and customized lyrics ("You don't Nomi / I'm not just one of your little toys")."

And that's not all: Klaus Nomi Lives on Rush Limbaugh



"You Don't Own Me" can be heard on the Rush Limbaugh Show as part of a category of update theme. Six degrees between chick singer, German homosexual opera queen, and conservative talk-show host! How much more rocking can THAT be? a pop-culture trifecta, if you will.

-k10

Wow.

Want to know more? Sure, you do. From a bio:

Klaus Nomi dared to be great. He dared to combine opera, 1930's German Cabaret, 1960's American Pop and 21st century synthesizers. He also dared to present the visual image of a high fashion, heavily made-up futuristic robot/alien. The world became aware of Klaus Nomi on December 15, 1979, when he backed David Bowie on NBC-TV's Saturday Night Live. Tragically, Klaus Nomi died of AIDS in August 1983. During his lifetime, he issued two albums, Klaus Nomi and Simple Man.

According to band member and songwriter, Kristian Hoffman, "Klaus was a face-- elfin and painted as a Kabuki robot. He was a style--a medieval interpretation of the 21st century via Berlin 1929. He was a voice, almost inhuman in range, from operatic soprano to Prussian general. He was a master performer--a master of the theatrical gesture. Above all, he was a visionary. He said the future is based on the needs of the artist, deciding how to live and living that way every minute. Klaus, the man from the future, lived that way in the present, and held out his hand saying, 'Come with me. You can do it too.' "


Documentary, "The Nomi Song"



.
:: mike 10:17 AM [+] ::

FABOLOUS/LESLEY GORE connection

Mike,
If you're going to make a hip hop/Gore connection, how about Fabolous and his hit, "This Is My Party," with its credited "interpolation" of "It's My Party" on his "Street Dreams" from 2003?
Jim

Done and done. My diary is now writing itself. Fabolous! (sic)

.
:: mike 7:52 AM [+] ::

LUDACRIS/LESLEY GORE connection

Luda has a new single out called "Number One Spot" which, strangely, occupies the number two slot on his new CD. The song is basically all about him, and his song, "Number One Spot", going to the number one spot on the charts. I have no idea if that has happened, although his video is getting played a lot. In it, Ludacris reworks an Austin Powers theme, even strapping Verne Troyer (reprising his role as Mini-Me) on his body for continuity. Perhaps he didn't watch Verne on VH1's The Surreal Life, where he battled alcoholism and his propensity to urinate freely.

The Lesley link? In the beginning of the video, Quincy Jones makes an appearance, while a sample of one of his songs plays in the background. Quincy produced, among other things, "It's My Party" for Lesley, which did, in fact, go to the number one spot. Quincy went on to appear in bit parts alongside The Surreal Life's Verne Troyer in hip-hop videos.

Oh yeah. And he produced Thriller, too. But don't make me post a Michael Jackson picture.



.
:: mike 1:38 PM [+] ::

SIMPSONS/LESLEY GORE CONNECTION: A DAILY DOUBLE

EPISODE: "Marge on the Lam" (Original Airdate: 11/5/93)


Homer and Chief Wiggum sing Lesley's #13 hit "Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows" during a Thelma and Louise-styled police chase to catch Marge and Ruth. Just as Ruth is about to give herself up, Marge steers the car across the desert, unaware they are heading right for the Grand Chasm. Homer convinces Marge to stop, however, he and Wiggum go over the edge of the chasm, landing on a big pile of garbage.


EPISODE: "Bart of Darkness" (Original Airdate: 9/4/94)


Martin (above) sings "Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows" at the end of the episode. Stuck in his room with a broken leg (a la Rear Window), Bart watches Ned Flanders through a telescope and thinks he sees his neighbor murder his wife Maude. After Bart and Lisa go through several crazy escapades, Ned breaks down in tears and confesses his awful crime: He killed Maude's favorite plant and buried it in the yard so she wouldn't know.



.
:: mike 8:12 AM [+] ::

DUSTY SPRINGFIELD/LESLEY GORE CONNECTION

"You Don't Own Me" (which is also on "Ever Since")

What I found (I'll have to check it with Lesley): Originally recorded by Lesley Gore and produced by a young Quincy Jones, this record was only made because Lesley was asked by Quincy to record a song she didn't like and she made a deal with him to record it if he let her record one of her own compositions. She selected "You Don't Own Me" an anthem of women's rights that predated Helen Reddy's "I Am Woman" by several years.
:: mike 7:30 AM [+] ::

JOAN JETT/LESLEY GORE CONNECTION

From the press kit for BAD REPUTATION: "She's perfected an "if-you-don't-wanna-fuck-me-fuck-off" stance that makes good on all the Runaways' potential for glittery sexual threat. The first song she recorded for the album, with ex-Sex Pistols Steve Jones and Paul Cook, was Lesley Gore's "You Don't Own Me," which includes its own litmus test for legitimacy--if you can cover Gore's protofeminist anthem without coming off as a pretentious spokesperson, you've got a right to its power."



.
:: mike 12:34 PM [+] ::

MICHELLE BRANCH/LESLEY GORE CONNECTION

In 2002, Michelle appeared on an episode of American Dreams on NBC portraying Lesley Gore and performing Gore's hit "You Don't Own Me," which is also on the new one.

I have a feeling this game of "six degrees" could go on for a pretty long time.

Michelle Branch
American Dreams


.
:: mike 12:06 PM [+] ::

NIKKA COSTA/LESLEY GORE CONNECTION

I'm just digging around... amazing what comes up.

(Out Here) On My Own (which is on "Ever Since") - written by Michael Gore and Lesley Gore for the movie "Fame," reached #19 for Irene Cara, and got an Academy Award nomination for Best Song. Nikka covered it on her first album, "Nikka Costa". It was a major hit in Europe.

http://www.nikkacosta.com/


.
:: mike 11:13 AM [+] ::

SPINAL TAP/LESLEY GORE CONNECTION

OK, so now I'm in heaven. People have been writing in, but this is the best piece of news I've heard. "Spinal Tap" is easily one of my favorite movies ever, and it turns out Derek Smalls, bassist for Tap, the "lukewarm water" of the outfit, claims that the first record he ever owned was "It's My Party".


>
:: mike 9:02 AM [+] ::

A great challenge of the Lesley Gore project occurred last night: I burned an advance copy and gave it to my folks. I was interested, since they know her music very well, already. They chose to listen to it in the car, which has a pretty lame system, but I figured maybe that's good, because that's how most listeners experience music. It's democratic.

I was particularly anxious about their reaction to "Someday", which has been a staple of my own show for years. Hearing me sing it solo with that little slit drum, people begin to think that there's only one way to play it. Not for long.

Mom left a message. "'Someday' is just perfect. Really incredible. We love the mood of the whole record, as well, the whole thing..." etc. I'll spare you the rest, but I was glad about the reaction (and believe, they would have told me if they hated it). I feel like the record itself passed a test with people who were already fans. That's a big deal.



>
:: mike 8:24 AM [+] ::

Halftime shows: pretty hilarious, generally, but THIS IS THE BEST ONE


.
:: mike 3:10 PM [+] ::

Packing My Bags

Packing my bags again
I can't believe I'm packing my bags again
Can't believe you still can't see me yet,
And I'm packing my bags.

Packing my bags, and letting go
All this time, and all I know
I went all in, I watched you fold
And I'm packing my bags.

Why believe
You're ever gonna see
Anything
Differently?

solo

Packing my bags, and giving up
The worthless stuff that cost too much
I came to play, you never showed up
And I'm packing my bags.

Why believe
You're ever gonna see
Anything
Differently?



>
:: mike 5:13 PM [+] ::

Ever Since

I dreamt you
I drew you
Long before I thought that I might never find you
I chased you
I traced you
And held your picture up into the light

All the weight of nights and days too long to list
All the parties I've been to
You were missed

I've waited ever since
I've waited ever since

I met you
Tried to forget you
Even though I felt somehow someone had sent you
Here, to me
And as if you knew me
We picked up where we left off in another life

At times I've tried to settle out for so much less than this
Saved only by the hope in every eyelash wish

I've waited ever since
I've waited ever since

Solo

All the weight of nights and days too long to list
All the parties I've been to
You were missed

I've waited ever since
I've waited ever since
I've waited ever since
I met you.
:: mike 2:10 PM [+] ::

Cover shot for Lesley Gore came back from the graphic designer, and looks great. Really classic, simple, vibey... I'm really into it.

Wild.


>
:: mike 2:05 PM [+] ::

Run


I don't think that I belong here
I had a different life in mind
If I were not so shot full of poison
I'd just leave it all behind
And move out of the city
If I could figure out where
Though everything that terrifies me
Would just be waiting for me there

I'm getting to
Escaping from
The rush of air that burns the lungs
But something there keeps telling me
To run

I went from having lots of bad friends
To feeling totally alone
I'm gonna have to call that progress
Though I wish I'd made it long ago
I'm still trying to find a woman
Who's strong enough to be with me
When I cry like nightclubs in the morning
For what's still so far out of reach

Chorus

What I need is some peace of mind
But it's just like me to make believe that everything's just fine
While I rub these wounds like pennies, like someday they're gonna shine
And they never do.

Solo
Chorus

Run
Run
Run
:: mike 2:02 PM [+] ::

Straight Outta Compton: The Director's Cut...

Use headphones

CLICK HERE
:: mike 11:37 AM [+] ::

We have a new pope.

I know what you're thinking. And no, I won't sing it right now.



Amen.


>
:: mike 10:13 AM [+] ::

Shot Lesley Gore for her CD artwork a few days ago. We played the record as we did the shoot, and it felt great. I'd never heard the finished version, in sequence and all, and even though the boom box has a blown speaker, it sounded great. I've heard it in headphones for the first time today, and I'm psyched.

The shoot turned out great - a lot of really strong shots. The label is psyched. I'm psyched. She's out on the West Coast, and when she gets back, she'll see them. I think she'll be into it.

I heard a great band the other day - the Hold Steady. Picture Bill Hicks ranting in front of a punky bar band - good shit. There's an mp3 on their site if you want to check it out.
:: mike 10:42 AM [+] ::

Evel Knievel


Call me crazy, but I bet he'd respond.



<>
:: mike 10:03 AM [+] ::

Piano lessons. They say they're good for you. Right? Wrong. Piano lessons can be very dangerous. Don't believe?

CLICK HERE
:: mike 8:44 AM [+] ::

LESLEY GORE
RECORDS NEW ALBUM

EVER SINCE

RELEASE DATE: JUNE 28, 2005
ON ENGINE COMPANY RECORDS

3 NYC PERFORMANCES AT JOE'S PUB

June 28 Joe's Pub NYC (Record Release Party)
July 19 Joe's Pub NYC
July 26 Joe's Pub NYC
All shows are 7:30 p.m.
$25 in advance, $30 at the door

(Tickets available now at The Public Theater box office or through Telecharge: www.telecharge.com or 212.239.6200. These are expected to sell out. We recommend advance purchase.)

The most commercially successful solo artist of the "Girl Group" era of the '60s, Gore quickly set herself apart. With a string of Quincy Jones-produced, chart-topping hits, including "It's My Party," "Judy's Turn To Cry," and "You Don't Own Me," she introduced the world to a brilliant artist with pop instincts and an independent spirit that stood out against the formulaic offerings on the radio. A full-fledged star by age 16, her smash hits rang like anthems for young American women, and pointed the way for future generations of rabble-rousing pop singers from Debbie Harry, to Pat Benatar, to Madonna, to Gwen Stefani -- all of whom remain in her debt.

Having maintained a constant touring schedule in major venues across the country, Lesley Gore is no less committed today. Her voice, now burnished from the years of "practice", deepens everything it touches with the hard-won wisdom of time, and in her care, songs take on new levels of meaning that less experienced artists cannot yet reach. On "Not The First," (written by Gore), she warns a friend about the perils of blind love ("you're not the first/ to think you'll be the last,"), but could just as easily be warning Avril Lavigne about the perils of the music business. When she lilts, "All the parties I've been to/ you were missed" ("Ever Since"), she draws listeners back to her #1 hit, "It's My Party," while ushering them gracefully forward into the new world she now inhabits.

Produced by Blake Morgan, Ever Since includes re-imagined versions of two Gore classics, "You Don't Own Me" and Academy Award-nominated "Out Here On My Own", and new songs written by national recording artists Mike Errico, Blake Morgan, songwriter John Fischer and Gore herself. Mixing and mastering duties are shared between Morgan and 2005 Grammy Award winner Phil Nicolo.

Gore is joined on the recordings, and onstage, by Mike Errico (guitars), Jonathan Ellinghaus (drums), John Turner (bass), and Blake Morgan (piano).

www.lesleygore.com
:: mike 3:38 PM [+] ::

LESLEY GORE LISTEN DOWN

We all got together and listened down to the unmixed version of "Ever Since," Lesley's new record. Indian food, a case of Veuve Clicquot...sure.

It sounds focused and thoughtful and brave and all of it. She sings the hell out of it. I think the Most Improved Player award goes to "Words We Don't Say" which I helped write. It's crazy good, and one of my favorite guitar solos I've ever played.

I think that's going to be available late spring/summer...? Can't be soon enough, to me.
:: mike 12:01 PM [+] ::

MD show on Saturday was awesome. I stayed with "Mayor Bob" for those of you in MD, maybe you know him and Laura. Good people.

I hadn't played in a while, and didn't know how badly I missed it. It felt so good to connect with a new group of people (it was a private function for them). After the show, I got some people asking which record that song about "see how it ends" was on. They had clearly connected to it. I told them that it's not on any record, and that it was the first time I'd ever played it. There's nothing better than the feeling when a new song takes off.

How it Ends

Shut the door
Don't talk anymore
I've heard your side
I want equal time
Let me make it clear
That I want you here
If you don't believe
Then it's time
For you
To leave

'Cause I don't need any more very good friends
I don't know about you, but
I didn't start this to see how it ends

Do you live in fear
While I stand right here
Trying to compete
With every ghost you meet?
Can you be strong, or
Did I peg you wrong,
Waste these words on you
When I
am terrified, too?

'Cause I don't need any more very good friends
I don't know about you, but
I didn't start this to see how it ends

How it ends
How it ends
How it ends
How it ends

Shut the door
Don't talk anymore
I have heard your side.


.
:: mike 7:57 AM [+] ::

Just found out the new Lesley Gore record is going to be titled, "Ever Since." That's pretty damn cool.


.
:: mike 12:43 PM [+] ::

Lesley has finished the lead vocal for "Someday". I haven't heard it yet, but I remember what she did in Vegas. People were cheering along with her. It was magic.


Meanwhile, VH1 just keeps on playing "My Coolest Years", which is cool. I think the "Metalheads" episode was my favorite. Jim Breuer really nails it.


.
:: mike 2:02 PM [+] ::

Ellinghaus got himself a nice review yesterday. I took the photos and played the guitar on the record, and we had a great time. "This album just might be the inspiration that Michael Stipe turns to when he wants to explore a more singer/songwriter feel." Go get 'em, Jonny-
:: mike 2:27 PM [+] ::

If Starbucks annoys you, this will only fuel you.

Go here, scroll to THURSDAY.
http://www.thestranger.com/2005-03-03/last_days.html

then listen at:
http://thestranger.com/specials/starbucks.php

There used to be a small, privately-owned bookstore near my house. When Barnes and Noble popped up a couple blocks away, the store went out of business. Soon afterward, the storefront became a Starbucks. A haunted Starbucks. I never, ever go there.
:: mike 8:31 AM [+] ::

Oh, my God. 'Hungover' doesn't explain it properly.

Dissembled. Fractured. Obliterated.

No. There is no word for it. These three lines have taken me thirty minutes to type. My fingers are so loud, and the effort is superhuman.

What have I done to myself?

Mike, you idiot.

Sweat it out, and sleep it off. You smell like Walter Matthau in "Bad News Bears." You smell like Nicholas Cage in "Leaving Los Vegas." You just... smell. Like ... what? Vodka and wine and scotch AND beer? You're a George Thorogood song. And that's never good.

Mike, you idiot.

Hit the showers.

.
:: mike 7:31 AM [+] ::

Lesley Gore just finished her lead vocal for "Ever Since". It is unbelievable. I can't help but choke up, the way she did it, her phrasing, her interpretation, the wisdom in her voice, the attachment to the lyric, the...everything. The unexplainableness. She's added dimensions that open the entire meaning of the song. When she sings "all the parties I've been to/ you were missed..." it's on a level I can only hope to achieve. She asked if she got to the heart of the lyric, and "if the composer was satisfied," and I practically collapsed on the couch.

This will be a beautiful record. I feel really fortunate to be a part of it, and to be able to turn around and share it with all of you.

.
:: mike 3:04 PM [+] ::

Last night's Motley Crue setlist:


Shout at the Devil
Too Fast for Love
Ten Seconds to Love
Red Hot
On With the Show
Too Young to Fall in Love
Looks that Kill
Louder than Hell
Live Wire

INTERMISSION

Girls Girls Girls
Wildside
Don't Go Away Mad
Primal Scream
Without You
Home Sweet Home
Dr. Feelgood
Same Ol' Situation
If I Die Tomorrow
Some new shit that sucked

ENCORE

Kickstart My Heart
Helter Skelter
Anarchy in the UK


.
:: mike 7:17 AM [+] ::

Went to Lez Zeppelin last night- an all-female Zeppelin cover band. Sweet. "Page" had the doubleneck Gibson, the Chinese dragon pants, and "Plant" was busting her ass on the songs. I was worried that "Bonham" wouldn't be able to hang (who could?) but you know - she was strong. "Jones" knew everything cold. Bassists are always mentioned last, and all they do is everything right. A thankless job for inconsiderate shits like all of us.

Of course, there were obvious differences. Instead of a half-empty bottle of Jack rattling on top of "Page"'s Marshall stack, our girl opted for Amstel Light. Perfect.


Lez Zeppelin


.
:: mike 1:33 PM [+] ::

Went to the Frames at Bowery Ballroom the other night with a group of fanatics. Really great. I got 'Burn The Maps' and am going back to get some others. The violinist is on maternity leave with his wife, which bummed out a few folks, but a guy was subbed in and played the parts on an eBow - I didn't know the originals, but the substitute really held it down. And they segued into "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" which is the best way to get me to wet my pants. That one guitar lick - you probably know the one I'm talking about - just too good.

The Frames


.
:: mike 12:34 PM [+] ::

I used to get asked why I never cut the ends off my guitar strings.





.
:: mike 1:56 PM [+] ::

Some days you just want to throw knives.

You know?

So, go ahead.

THROW KNIVES.


.
:: mike 3:19 PM [+] ::

Blink, and they're gone

"For over a decade, Blink-182 has toured, recorded and done non-stop promotion, all while trying to balance relationships with family and friends. To that end, the band has decided to go on an indefinite hiatus to spend some time enjoying the fruits of their labors with their loved ones. While there is no set plan for the band to begin working together again, no one knows what tomorrow may bring."

The world awaits.
:: mike 8:17 AM [+] ::

an official news brief from HQ: pretty cool. Congrats, Phil.


SUBJECT: "Across 110 Street," mixed by Phil Nicolo, receives Grammy Award

Hello friends,

Our own Phil Nicolo is a Grammy recipient in the Best Salsa/Merengue Album category for his work on "Across 110 Street" by the Spanish Harlem Orchestra featuring Ruben Blades (Libertad Records). He has previously been nominated for three Grammy Awards.

Phil, who mastered both "Skimming" and "Tonight I Drink You All," is an independent producer, engineer and co-founder of Ruffhouse Records which he started with brother Joe from their home outside of Philadelphia. Known as "The Butcher Brothers," they have gone on to sell over one hundred million records to date, and have established themselves as a force in all genres of music production. A short list of the diverse artists Phil has worked with includes Lauryn Hill; The Fugees; Cypress Hill; Pete Yorn; Train; The Roots; Billy Joel; the Rolling Stones; Aerosmith; Sting; The Police; John Lennon; Bob Dylan; Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails); The Moby Area One tour featuring Moby, Incubus, and Outkast; Luscious Jackson; The Pretenders; Stone Gossard of Pearl Jam; The Mighty Mighty Bosstones; Dishwalla; Cibo Matto; Urge Overkill; Anthrax; The Cult; Depeche Mode; and many others.

Phil will again be working with Engine Company as recording continues for the new Lesley Gore album, her first in more than thirty years. Engine Company's Blake Morgan is producing, and the record features songs from Mike, Blake, Shimmerplanet's John Fischer, and, of course, Lesley. The band -- Jonathan Ellinghaus (drums), John Turner (bass), Blake Morgan (piano), and Mike (guitars) -- features the lineup from "Skimming" displaying a lush, smoky side of their musical personalities.

If you missed Mike on Mixed Bag with Pete Fornatale, you can catch the hour-long interview and performances online at www.wfuv.org. Click on WFUV archives and enter "Mike Errico" in the search line. Pete was most gracious and inspiring. Enjoy!
:: mike 8:25 AM [+] ::

Westminster Dog Show


:: mike 7:41 AM [+] ::

For those of you who care about drums, here are John Bonham outtakes from the "In Through the Out Door" sessions. I don't know how long they'll stay posted, but they are pretty cool...
:: mike 9:39 AM [+] ::

One can't talk about Cold-eeze without a nod to NyQuil.

They have a Sleep Aptitude Test (SAT) Here is a potential score:


Z. GET BACK INTO BED AND PULL THE COVERS OVER YOUR HEAD - YOU FLUNKED! Not only are you terribly sleep-deprived, but you could be causing serious damage to your body and mind. You are a "walking zombie" and unproductive. And to make matters worse, you are sick! When you are suffering from a cold or flu there is no better remedy than sleep. Your immune system stops functioning properly, so forget about your body fighting off any viruses. The main goal is to get as much rest as possible. In order to relieve symptoms such as sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching, stuffy head and fever - reach for a bottle of NyQuil, which will help your body get the good sleep it needs to feel better.

Try to keep in mind that according to sleep experts, if you want to be fully alert, in a good mood, mentally sharp, creative, and energetic all day long, you might need to spend at least one third of your life sleeping. Over an average lifetime, that's a commitment of nearly twenty-four years in bed. If you want to start living up to your potential, "learn" to sleep better. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep a night, especially when you are feeling tired or sick. NOW, GO TO BED!

...mmm. coffee.
:: mike 9:28 AM [+] ::

ROCK ON MY BRUTHA

At this juncture, let me extol the virtues of Cold-Eeze. According to www.coldeeze.com's Common Cold Forecast generator:

Current Cold & Flu Level in: NEW YORK is HIGH, with 14-16% of the city's population exhibiting these top 3 current symptoms (in order):
Nasal Congestion
Chest Congestion
Coughing

This is consistent with my condition. What an amazing resource.

I checked other important zip codes:
zip code: 90210
Current Cold & Flu Level in: BEVERLY HILLS is HIGH
zip code: 60607
Current Cold & Flu Level in: CHICAGO is HIGH
zip code: 02134
Current Cold & Flu Level in: BOSTON is HIGH
zip code: 76015
Current Cold & Flu Level in: ARLINGTON,TX is HIGH
zip code: 30305
Current Cold & Flu Level in: ATLANTA is HIGH
zip code: 98230
Current Cold & Flu Level in: BLAINE is HIGH

I don't know where Blaine is. But it seems the entire country needs Cold-Eeze. Try your zip code and see if you need Cold-Eeze, too.
:: mike 10:43 AM [+] ::

Home. Studying.

Tom Waits, "Real Gone" - wow. He's created a world, and now he gets to stomp around in it any old time.

The Frames, "Burn the Maps" - great.

Brazilian Girls, "Lazy Lover" - made me laugh. And that's cool.

Louis XIV, "Illegal Tender" - also made me laugh. Maybe someone drugged me. Maybe that's why I'm laughing so much.

Hell with music. More laughing. Mick Mars from Motley Crue got sued for millions today by his girlfriend Robbie Mantooth. Mantooth. Mantooth. Never date someone named 'Mantooth.' God, the guys in that band never, ever learn.

See? I'm laughing again.

This is fun.





:: mike 1:11 PM [+] ::

LAS VEGAS

The cars open like oysters, and soft pink people ooze off the seats and into the casino car park. I decided to have my morning coffee in the only place that I've found that features actual sunlight. Inside, at a permanent 10pm, the slot machines are sucking money from seniors who slump over the handlebars of their cherry-red Rascals. They are attached by clear tubing to brushed steel oxygen tanks, and stare with eyes like salmon, indifferent to the bells, the flashing lights, the spinning numbers, the clusters of fruit, the pornographic depictions of boats and jewelry. They are vacationing.

I am working. I'm in between shows, running over my guitar solos, my choices of pedals and pickup positions. Unannounced, underground -- I'm kinda working on something... with somebody. Can't really talk here. But don't let the quiet fool you.

I can say: it's going great. I'm very psyched.

:: mike 2:18 PM [+] ::

happy new year

i was abducted, and brought here: http://www.vtculinaryresort.com/

then an ice storm hit.

we're stranded in a hotel room with a fireplace at a Culinary resort.

you want a holiday omen? there's mine.

at least i hope so.

happy new year everyone

m
:: mike 7:52 AM [+] ::