It's been a while since the last post, and will probably be longer until the next. The last few weeks have been pretty inspirational in terms of music and writing, and I'm trying to focus more of my attention on those pursuits. Greg and I had the honor and privilege - and I mean that phrase soberly, without any salt whatsoever - of hanging out with Ian MacKaye for breakfast last weekend, which was both surreal and educational. For those of you who aren't familiar with Ian's history, please take the time to read the link above. For my take on it, all I can really say is that he is one of my all-time favorite musicians, not only for his music, but for his integrity and humility regarding both his own music and punk rock/post-punk/hardcore/all music in general. The man has been performing for over 25 years and has never charged more than $7 for a show. He's committed to preserving music as an all-access, interactive medium for people of all ages to enjoy. Most punk rock bands got their start playing for "the kids" - average age 16 to 25 - and Ian is one of few mainstays left in all of American music - not just punk rock - to adhere to the standards he set for himself when he was only 18 years old. And let me emphasize the words "for himself" - he made it pretty clear early on that his ideals were and are not "a set of rules" for everyone to follow, but rather his own personal opinion, expressed freely.
The 16-year-old in me couldn't help shaking, initially. While it had been our intention to make him feel comfortable during his stay in Milwaukee, it was Ian who ended up making us - or at least me - feel more comfortable. His humility, friendliness, sincerity, and willingness to listen as well as to speak freely and thoughtfully will stay with me for a long time. Everyone poops, yes, but it's not every day we get to wake up knowing we're sharing air with a personal hero who happens to be in the same room. Sharing tea and conversation with him that morning confirmed and upheld a more innocent, naive belief that, for a lot of people, including me, gets crushed with the onset of adulthood: that we can not only be ourselves in this world but, in the doing so, change it; that we can pursue our goals and ambitions without selling out and still manage to pay the mortgage.
Thank you, Ian, for reminding me.
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In sadder, somewhat related news, CBGB's held their last show last night. Watch a brief video here, or read about it here.
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Heads up: If I'm not around the blog much in coming weeks, this is why. While attempting to string out 1,666 word-long ticker tapes of thoughts, I will not have much left for the blog, I'm sure. Don't get excited - I'm not writing a book or putting down anything useful - but encourage freely. I haven't written this much since high school. It's a huge challenge, but something that is necessary for me to get back on the wagon.
And when I'm not doing that, I will be in the basement learning how to do this.
Posted by stephanie at October 23, 2006 10:06 AMWell, post a shout when you have some nanowrimo stuff I can read!
Posted by: Daniel Talsky at October 23, 2006 02:58 PMI will! Can't guarantee it'll be worth reading, but will send anyway. You're part of my inspiration for this little project, actually, so I'll definitely keep you posted.
Here's to ... fuck! What's the name of that bar we used to read at?!
Well, here's to that crappy Italian joint on the Rock River.
Amen.
.....Cannova's? Or was that just for goofy high school bands?
Posted by: tracey at October 24, 2006 09:21 AMWasn't Cannova's on State? That name sounds right, though... The only "goofy high school band" Italian restaurant venue thingy I remember was Luigi's.
Posted by: Steph at October 26, 2006 09:52 AM