Thursday, April 12, 2007

R.I.P. VONNEGUT


Sometime after The Hardy Boys and James Bond, I pretty much quit reading books for several years.

In my freshman year in Congress, Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. brought me back. He made reading fun.

His writing was simple. It was playful. It was deeply cynical. And quite often it was right on target.

He's dead now.

If you haven't already, go read Breakfast of Champions or Slaughterhouse Five or Cat's Cradle.

R.I.P. old man.

ROUNDHOUSE ROUNDUP: SHAKE-UP AT NM MAG

A version of this was published in The Santa Fe New Mexican
April 12, 2007


There was one little island of state government that for at least the last 20 years or so was seemingly free of political meddling.

That was New Mexico Magazine, the official state tourism magazine. It’s had the same basic staff for a couple of decades now, producing a highly praised and self-supporting monthly publication through a variety of administrations.

There have been news dogs among the daily press who have fantasized about slipping the surly bonds of daily deadlines and moving over to New Mexico Magazine for an easier-going pace, a seemingly stable work environment and PERA retirement benefits.

That’s why recent news about a staff shake-up was ominous. Could it be that idea of the state magazine as an oasis was just a mirage?

Emily Drabanski, the magazine’s editor for 21 years — that means she’s worked there during the administrations of Toney Anaya, Garrey Carruthers, Bruce King, Gary Johnson and the first four years of Bill Richardson — is being shuffled to a kind of nebulous position: editing books published by the magazine, overseeing the state vacation guide and working in community outreach and public relations.

Her former position will become exempt from state personnel-system protections — which means the future editor will serve at the pleasure of the governor.

Arnold Vigil, who had been the book editor, has been moved to another position.

Full disclosure here: I consider Drabanski and Vigil and others on that staff personal friends, and I knew and worked with a few of them well before they went to work for the magazine.

Furthermore, I’ve written articles for New Mexico Magazine — on topics such as music CLICK HERE and scroll down), bolo ties and Blake’s Lotaburger — and, a few years ago, contributed a chapter to a book published by the magazine.

No, there’s no evidence of overt political meddling. And in fact, Tourism Secretary Michael Cerletti is on record saying Richardson has nothing to do with the changes.

But in an administration known for putting its own stamp — and its own people — at virtually every level of state government, you have to be suspicious.

And the official explanation for the changes smells kind of fishy.

Supposedly it’s an effort to “attract younger readers.” Consultants determined “the magazine is geared toward your uncle. You need to gear it toward your nephew,” said Cerletti — who has always reminded me of a kindly uncle.

So there’s going to be less on ghost towns, woodcarvers and Billy the Kid and more on video games, poetry slams and extreme sports?

I don’t think so. Look at the advertisers in the magazine: Resorts, high-end restaurants, racetracks, art galleries. These are places frequented by a lot more aunts and uncles than nieces and nephews.

It will be interesting to see who will fill the editor’s position. Will it be an administration-friendly journalist who hasn’t already been hired? Will it be a relative of some campaign contributor?

Maybe somebody’s nephew.

What’s best for New Mexico: Speaking of campaign contributors, a recent story by The Associated Press’ Barry Massey contained a statement from the Governor’s Office that has become almost like a mantra.

The story dealt with Forest City Covington, a land development company that loaned Richardson a corporate jet during his 2006 campaign, and which will benefit from taxpayer-subsidized bonds authorized in a bill the governor signed last week.

“The governor makes decisions based upon what is best for the state — period.” spokesman Jon Goldstein said.

Sound familiar? Here’s a quick collection of quotes that are variations on that theme:

* “The governor does not make any decisions or is not impacted by any contributions whether that’s a money contribution or event or whatever.”
— 2006 Richardson campaign manager Amanda Cooper in March 2007 regarding a highway interchange near Belen that will benefit Coast Range Investments, which donated to Richardson’s gubernatorial campaign and whose president, James Foster, contributed to Richardson’s campaign and loaned him a corporate jet.

* “The governor makes decisions based on what’s best for New Mexico and ensuring that taxpayers get the most for their money. It’s important to note that the DGA represents 22 governors and enjoys broad support from individuals and companies around the country.”
— Spokesman Pahl Shipley regarding tens of thousands in contributions to the Democratic Governors Association during Richardson’s tenure as chairman by racetrack owner Stanley Fulton, the GEO Corp. private prison company and U.S. Tobacco, which was pushing a controversial tax bill in the state.

* “To suggest or imply a connection between any travel of the Democratic Governors Association and the governor’s efforts to protect consumers is insulting and flat wrong.”
— Spokesman Gilbert Gallegos in April 2006, regarding a corporate jet belonging to a payday loan company used by the Democratic Governors Association during Richardson’s tenure as chairman.

Monday, April 09, 2007

TERRELL'S SOUND WORLD PLAYLIST

Sunday, April 8, 2007
KSFR, Santa Fe, N.M.
Webcasting!
10 p.m. to midnight Sundays Mountain Time
Host: Steve Terrell

NEW: email me during the show! terrell@ksfr.org

OPENING THEME: Let it Out (Let it All Hang Out) by The Hombres
Heaven on Their Minds by Murray Head
Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues by Bob Dylan
The Temple by The Afghan Whigs
Standard White Jesus by Timbuk 3
Bionic Woman is a Cousin of Mine by The Sisterhood
Easter by Patti Smith
Peter Cottontail by The Bubbadinos
Jesus Christ by Pegboy

I Walk My Murderous Intentions Home by King Automatic
You're Gonna Miss Me by 13th Floor Elevators
Don't Burn the Witch by The Monsters
Go Away by The Plague
Fireball by Alan Vega
Winding Up by Roy & The Devil's Motorcycle
Rock Me Baby by Blue Cheer
(I'm In With) The Out Crowd by The A-Bones
Peter Gunn Twist by The Jesters




FALL SET
All Songs by The Fall

Systematic Abuse
Elves
Pacifying Joints
Just Step Sideways
I'm A Mummy
Pinball Machine
Cab It Up
(end of set)

Waveform Disturbance by Rumble Trio
Beltsanded Man by Mike Watt
Jesus Children of America by Stevie Wonder
Wicked Game by The Surf Lords
Heaven Only Knows by Mary Weiss
CLOSING THEME: Over the Rainbow by Jerry Lee Lewis

Saturday, April 07, 2007

RICHARDSON'S TRIPS

RICHARDSON PREPARES FOR TV INTERVIEW
Gov. Bill Richardson left for North Korea this morning, just his latest trip out of New Mexico. My story in today's New Mexican showed that as of Friday he's been out of state at least 38 days so far this year. (Friday was day 96 of 2207.)

I say "at least," because it is the Richardson campaign's policy not to publicize out-of-state events, such as private fundraisers, that are not open to the public.

Richardson is scheduled to return to New Mexico from the North Korean trip on Friday. That means, assuming he doesn't have another trip planned for next Saturday, that he will have been out of New Mexico on all but four days days of the first two weeks of April.

THE SANTA FE OPRY PLAYLIST

Friday, April 6, 2007
KSFR, Santa Fe, NM
Webcasting!
10 p.m. to midnight Fridays Mountain Time
Host: Steve Terrell

NEW: email me during the show! terrell@ksfr.org

OPENING THEME: Buckaroo by Buck Owens & The Buckaroos
Get Up And Go/Fiddle Tunes by David Bromberg
Cryin' Drunk by Old 97s
Ain't No Top 40 Song by Terry Allen
Blinding Sun by Jimmie Dale Gilmore
The Ballad of Thunder Road by R.B. Morris
That's How It Goes by The Meat Puppets

When the Man Comes Around by Jorma Kaukonen
Wanted Man by Johnny Cash
Country Heroes by Hank Williams III
Mind Your Own Business by Hank Williams
Hank Williams by Brent Hoodenpyle & The Loners
Blue-Eyed Elaine by John Prine & Mac Wiseman
Bolinas by Audrey Auld Mezera
The Mystery of The Mystery by Dolly Parton
Are You Washed in the Blood of the Lamb by Uncle Dave Macon

You Made Me What I Am Today by The Watzloves
Stick to the Plan by Graham Parker
Financing His Romance by The Bottle Rockets
Better Every Day by The Waco Brothers
Too Much Pork For Just One Fork by Southern Culture on the Skids
Brother To the Blues by George Jones
Truck Driver's Blues by Merle Haggard
Mata Hari Dress by Marlee MacLeod

Kashmere Gardens Mud by Johnny Bush
The Bloody Bucket by Grey DeLisle
Excuse Me While I Break My Own Heart Tonight by Whiskeytown
Cloak of Frogs by Freakwater
Louise by Jerry Jeff Walker with Nicolette Larson
My Long Journey Home by Charlie Louvin with Paul Burch
CLOSING THEME: Comin' Down by The Meat Puppets

Steve Terrell is proud to report to the monthly Freeform American Roots Radio list

Friday, April 06, 2007

EGGS-ESTENTIALISM



Here is the official New Mexico Easter egg on display at the White House during this holy season. All states have an egg for the collection organized by (I kid you not) the American Egg Board.


The egg, created by artist Sharon Locke, looks like it has a little Mudhead in there. But here's what Wonkette had to say about it:

There’s a little Bill Richardson inside this egg, drinking an entire pitcher of margaritas. Good work, New Mexico!

Meanwhile, my old partner in crime at the New Mexican Capitol Bureau Ben Neary, (now working for the Associated Press in Wyoming), reveals that the Wyoming egg was created by some college kid from Illinois whose mother works for the Egg Board. CLICK HERE.

UPDATE: To add more insult to injury to the great state of Wyoming, in the web version of a Washington Post story that quotes Ben, when you run your mouse over the photo it says "Montana State Easter Egg."

TERRELL'S TUNEUP: FALL FORWARD

A version of this was published in The Santa Fe New Mexican
April 6, 2007

Spring is here. It’s time for The Fall.

Thirty years on the road and Mark E. Smith, on The Fall’s new album, Reformation Post TLC, is still cranking out his crazy brand of rant ’n’ roll, shouting his incomprehensible, half-comical lyrics over steady, driving beats; bubbly, fizzly synth noises; and ever-tasty, irresistible, garage-band guitar riffs.

It’s a formula tried-and-true and one from which the former dockworker from Manchester, England, rarely strays. But dagnabbit, the darn thing still works.

A little background on this album. Last year, just a few dates into an American tour, all of Smith’s sidemen — except his wife and keyboardist Elena Poulou — walked out on him. (“They went home because of my violent and abusive behavior,” Smith told Maximum Rock’n’ Roll in an interview last year. It’s not clear if he was being facetious.) The Fall’s latest record company, Narnack, recruited a trio of Americans to take the place of the absent Brits. It’s this group that recorded Reformation Post TLC.

The new boys — guitarist Tim Presley, bassist Rob Barbato, and drummer Orpheo McCord — might not share Smith’s Manchester working-class roots, but they seem to have caught on to the basic Fall sound.

More than a decade ago, in reviewing some Fall album or another, I wrote, “I doubt if all the CIA’s computers could crack the garbled ranting of Mark E. Smith.” In recent years I’ve been leaning toward a conspiracy-theory explanation for The Fall’s appeal to its scattered cult.

The band is actually sending coded messages to some alien/Lovecraftian sleeper cell. Some isolated Smith yelp in conjunction with some post-Standells guitar hook causes some shift in brain chemistry in some isolated listener, and next thing you know some unwitting Fall fan in Dalhart, Texas, is making a 4 a.m. drive to the Tucumcari airport to pick up a crate of something unspeakable delivered on a secret flight from Bohemian Grove.

I hope I’m safe now that I’ve spilled that secret.

Or maybe people like me like The Fall because it’s good, stripped-down rock and because Smith’s crackpot/shaman lyrics open up the imagination.

There are a few departures from normal Fall fare on Reformation. Poulou handles the vocals on “The Wright Stuff,” reciting the lyrics in her lovely Greek accent as a snaky Farfisa organ riff slithers behind her.

Smith tries a turn at country music (ploughing the same ground as The Mekons on “Lost Highway” and “Sweet Dreams”), singing with a Bizarro World cover of Merle Haggard’s “White Line Fever.” (It’s not the first time The Fall has gone country. Back in the ’80s the band recorded a fine little hillbilly tune called “Pinball Machine.”) Here the Haggard song seems to be a setup for the next track on the album, “Insult Song,” which starts off with Smith, in some wino/pirate voice, grumbling, “White line fever/I got it off the children of Captain Beefheart/They’d been locked in the forest for many years/They could not help it/They were retards from the Los Angeles district” and repeating "White line fever" several times through the mysterious spoken-word song.

The one major misstep here is “Das Boat.” Unfortunately, at 10 and a half minutes, it’s the longest song on the album. It’s mainly a dull synthesizer drone with percussion that sounds like someone hitting a desk with a ruler and chimplike chants of “eee eee eee eee” by Smith and Poulou. The following track, “The Bad Stuff,” works better even though it sounds as if it might be a collage of studio outtakes. It starts off with spooky guitar twanging but soon goes into a hopped-up, classic-Fall, instrumental workout, with indecipherable Fall-jabber popping up here and there.

(Belated correction: in my past couple of reviews of The Fall, I mentioned a July 1981 gig at what used to be the old El Paseo Theater in downtown Santa Fe. I mistakenly called it The Gold Bar, but after some e-mail correspondence from Stefan Cooke (who has an excellent Fall Web site), I dug out the original clip of my review of that show in the Santa Fe Reporter and discovered the theater was operating under the name of Paseo de la Luz. )

Also recommended:
* I Walk My Murderous Intentions Home
by King Automatic. This is a one-man garage band from France. Mr. Automatic (his real name is Jay something) plays guitar, drums, harmonica, and Farfisa organ. Until I checked the Web site, I thought it was a full band. (A guy named Julien plays sax on a couple of tracks here.)

King Automatic sounds like one of those proud, unsung ’60s bands you find on compilations like the Pebbles series. But he also has a fine sense of noir. The title cut and a reggae-tinged tune called “Here Comes the Terror” could be from a soundtrack of some warped foreign cop show. And there’s an instrumental tribute to Ennio Morricone’s spaghetti-Western themes called “A Few Dollars Less.”

*Garage Punk Vol. 1: 20 Years of Uncontrolled Live Shows and Ultra Rare Records by The Monsters. Here’s an aptly titled, double-disc record by the Swiss band led by Voodoo Rhythm Records high priest Rev. Beat Man. It’s a self described “no-fi” collection from “one of the trashyest, loudest, ... bands you’ll ever see!” On one of the live cuts (“Dead End Street”) Beat Man proclaims the music to be a cross between death metal and rockabilly. Throw in some Stooges, Cramps, and a little Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, and that’s a good start.

If you can get past the no-fi, there’s some real oughta-be classics here. “Nightmares” and “Blues for Joe” are timeless garage glory. “Searchin’” is downright ferocious. And the cover of Rick Nelson’s “Lonesome Town” is touching and hilarious at the same time.

Anyone who believes that “Psychotic Reaction” ought to be the national anthem should check out The Monsters. While the sound quality definitely lives up to Beat Man’s “trash” aesthetic, this group indeed is monstrous.

Learn more about The Monsters, King Automatic and other trash-rock avatars at the Voodoo Rhythm site.

TERRELL'S SOUND WORLD PLAYLIST

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