Radio Free Me
by Your Diva, Robin Pastorio-Newman

The other evening, Your Darling, Your Diva, Your One True Love received an unusual phone call from a stranger. He explained the National Traffic System was the same U.S. ham radio network that handled disseminating information in times of disaster like the Trade Center attacks. It was his obligation as recipient of this message nearest my home to phone and convey a radiogram addressed to me. He read a message he'd received in Morse Code over the National Traffic System, inviting Your Pet to a birthday party. What percentage of the world, one wonders, now knows when and where this party will take place, and that This Cowgirl should politely R.S.V.P.?

Speaking of that rotating looming-large, pinned-and-small feeling, the reunion show series at the Court Tavern has my precisely coiffed head spinning. In the space of 28 fantastic hours, two completely different, equally brilliant shows thrilled two audiences. All The Dead Pilots/Landspeedrecord!/Aviso'Hara/Prosolar Mechanics and Everlounge/the Raging Lamos/Instant Death last Friday and Saturday were keenly anticipated by fans of new New Brunswick bands and old New Brunswick bands. At the moment, all Your Tasty Morsel can say on the subject is this: people will someday lie and say, "I was there."

More will be said about it, but tonight's Atomic Bitchwax show (that's 11/21/01) simply adds to the confusion. If you're not seeing these amazing shows, you're missing out. Reasons to feel optimistic about underground music exist. You have the map in your hands. DIG!

One way to discover what is not in one's path is to let one's friends play around with the pre-sets on one's car radio. For a week, say, you get a feel for what Pal #5 hears, followed by Campañera #2's preferences. This week, Your Beloved's ears are trained on Harry Harrison and Cousin Brucie, once the AM radio DJs I couldn't wait to outgrow. Surprise! Some of those old songs do not inspire horrifying Are We There Yet? memories, some might even make one mashed potato, if not for seat belts and traffic regulations. But, on the whole, the search for intelligent radio goes on.

©2001 Robin Pastorio-Newman

All material ©2001-2006 Sean Carolan, except as noted.

Today's NY/NJ Shows That Matter

Thursday, April 10, 2008
 
Tristan Prettyman and Whitley at Gramercy Theatre
 
Kathleen Edwards and Dan Wilson at Irving Plaza
 
Ginger (of Wildhearts) & Scott Metzger (of American Babies) at Pianos
 
Juggling Suns at Stanhope House
 
Tower Of Power at BB King's
 
Gnarls Barkley at Highline Ballroom
 
Kaki King at World Cafe Live, Philly
 
Mike Doughty's Band at Music Hall Of Williamsburg, Bklyn
 
Kathy Mattea at Highline Ballroom (CANCELLED)
 
Shawn Mullins at Joe's Pub
 
Jason Collett at Mercury Lounge
 
Katt Williams at Radio City Music Hall
 
Green Tag Sale at The Saint
 
 
More NY/NJ Shows That Matter