Les & More

Figure & Stairs
Woodstock, England 2006
40 x 40 in. Carbon/Pigment Print
Photograph: Dirk McDonnell

•••

"When all is said and done, though, this is simply the way things looked as light fell, in certain places, at certain times, in that fugitive moment which is always now."

Excerpt of the Artists Statement from the upcoming solo exhibition, AS LIGHT FELL: Photographs by Dirk McDonnell, opening November 15, 2007, at Throckmorton Fine Art, NYC.

•••

Stops Out
What's Up?
You Don't Say?
From The Les The Better

Glass Eyed
The Long Way
Goodbye To All That
From More From Les

(Download more songs from Les Enfantsperdus Ensemble.)

Say It Loud, Say It Proud! It's Here, Tain't Beer (Or, Twisted Tea, Unbelievably), Git You'st To It!

Although, I believe, Twisted Tea cans are still No. 1 in the preferred 'Roadside Trash of The Rock.' (As personally evidenced by the two dozen flattened cans I have picked up from this past seasons walk-abouts.)

The Fisherman's Friend
The Rock, Maine
April 2007

Some things just make you proud to be an American (Mainer). And some just make you cringe. This little bit of news, apparently almost as important as any other pressing global topics of the day, makes me do a little of both.

"When it comes to spirits, coffee brandy remains Mainers' libation of choice.
State sales figures for last year show that Allen's Coffee Flavored Brandy remains by far the top-selling brand of liquor in the state, just as it's been every year for more than a decade. Nearly 994,000 bottles worth $11.9 million were sold in four different bottle sizes in Maine in 2006.

Allen's is so popular that its different bottle sizes rank first, second, sixth and ninth on the Maine Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations list of the top 25 alcoholic items sold last year. Allen's is the only brand that appears more than once in the top 10.

Coffee-flavored brandy is something of a New England specialty and is not well-known outside the region. Allen's is made by family-owned M.S. Walker Inc. of Somerville, Mass. (On who's site, you'd be hard pressed to find ANY mention of they're No. 1 seller in Maine, because they only deal with "Fine Wines & Spirits Since 1933.")

The dark-colored liquor that's been called "the champagne of Maine," while immensely popular, is also associated with the state's substance abuse troubles. (Really? Alcohol and substance abuse? Trouble?)

A decade ago, state Superior Court Judge Robert Crowley was quoted as saying the brand "is very prevalent in the criminals who come before me. I don't know whether brandy is more bang for your buck but it runs the gamut.

"I see it in bar fights, domestic assaults, drunk driving, and worse crimes."
— Associated Press, via MaineToday.

With the predicted price of bait (Which, apparently, Allen's Coffee Flavored Brandy was once used to store. Although, highly unlikely.) and gas this year — and some of the lobstermen already forecasting the leanest lobster season in years — my guess is that we're in for another record-breaker next year! (And, maybe a few more "bar fights, domestic assaults, drunk driving, and worse crimes.")

One more cup of coffee (flavored brandy) for the road?

•••

(Sorry, couldn't locate any songs regaling (or even mentioning) Allen's Coffee Flavored Brandy — yet!)

Java Jive
(Buy: The Ink Spots: The Ink Spots [Decca])

The Coffee Song
(Buy: Frank Sinatra: Ring-A-Ding Ding!)

If You've Got the Money (I've Got the Time)
(Buy: Merle Haggard: Roots: Volume 1)

North American Scum
(Buy: LCD Soundsystem: The Sound Of Silver)

"Weather Like A Steven King Novel"

And that's a direct quote. (Although, the misspelling of the author's name is totally the fault of The Weather Channel, which, since yesterday, they have corrected.)

"It's Like The Storm Of The Century."
Ellis Island, Maine
April 16, 2007

What I assumed, when I first read this headline, was that the storm was going to be just like the one's we've seen a dozen times before, that it would go on forever, traveling into regions we know it should not be traveling — with some gratuitous violence and death, and littered with some clever, semi-appropriate lyrics from some 1980's ACDC songs that would hopefully fill in the blanks (and give it some Rock & Roll/Metal edge) — only to conclude with a flock of birds, a spider, or an exhausted, unbelievable sigh. But, I was wrong. (Or, was I? And who really cares? Because the weather, like Stephen King novels, will keep on coming. The sooner we realize that we have no control of it, the getter.)

But, it was the observation and reaction to these (the weather, not another book, yet, I don't think, but I'm probably wrong about that) events that got me going today.

There's no accounting for the stupidity of random clichéd quotes from behind the wheel of drivers (during a storm that is knocking down trees and electrical wires, and blowing roofs off of buildings). But, rest assured that the clichéd reporter standing in that same torrential downpour, will add a few winners of their own clichéd atmospheric alliterations to round out a stellar weather report. (You can watch it yourself, here.)

Or, you can enjoy an alliterated collection of clichéd climatic classics below.

•••

Stormy Weather
(Buy: Dinah Washington: Classic American Music: Les Plus Grandes Voix Du Jazz)

Stop Your Sobbing
(Buy: Jonathan Richman: This Is Where I Belong: The Songs of Ray Davies)

Something Stupid
(Buy: Robbie William with Nicole Kidman: Swing When You're Winning)

Super Stupid
(Buy: Funkadelic: Maggot Brain)

Pick Your Friends Carefully

Devil Baby
Rockport, Maine
2001

•••

In the light of recent events.

•••

Your Racist Friend
(Buy: They Might be Giants: Flood)

Racist Friend
(Buy: Special AKA: The Singles Collection)

Why?
(Buy: The Specials: The Singles Collection)

Vee Dubs

Volkswagen Beetle
February 2007
Rockport, Maine

"We do not see things as they are.
We see things as we are."
— Anais Nin

•••

Work to Do
Fight The Power (Part 1)
(Buy: The Isley Brothers: The Ultimate Isley Brothers)

Cover Your Ice Holes!

Ice Houses on Lake Chickawaukee
Rockland, Maine
February 1, 2007

Yet another under-appreciated house of style, that is always a pleasure to see this time of year — and well past its time for a design competition from dwell (and, no, this is not a paid endorsement of any kind, I just can't think of another magazine that would give a shite about what these things look like) — is the ever endearing, always reappearing 'Ice House.'

Gentlemen (I assume that's all that dare enter these things), let's get a-fishin'!

•••

Ice Cold Ice
(Buy: The Go Find: Stars On The Wall)

Dwell(ing) On Top Of The Rock

Rocktop Real Estate
The Rock
January 2007

And some build their houses with the materials discarded by others.

If this home were built with new materials — you'd be reading about it in dwell.

•••

Funky Nuts
My Feet Can't Fail Me Now
(Buy: The Dirty Dozen: Ears to the Wall)

Ziggy Played Guitar

Seaside Fairy Real Estate
Rockport, Maine
January 2007

While the kids — and some adults, I dare say — built spec houses for fairies.

"Creating whimsical fairy houses in the woods is somewhat of a tradition in the Northeast, especially Maine and Vermont. Using tree stumps, mosses, twigs, acorns and other natural materials, children (and adults, too) fashion little dwellings, hoping the fairies will appreciate and use their gift to them."
From 'Fairies & Fairy Houses' on Squiddo

There's a starman waiting in the sky
He'd like to come and meet us
But he thinks he'd blow our minds.
There's a starman waiting in the sky
He's told us not to blow it
Cause he knows it's all worthwhile.
He told me,
"Let the children lose it
Let the children use it
Let all the children boogie."

•••

Starman
(Buy: David Bowie: Ziggy Stardust)

Espero Alegre La Salida …

Frida Kahlo Following Her Mother's Death, 1932
Guillermo Kahlo
6 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches Gelatin Silver Print
Courtesy of Throckmorton Fine Art, Inc. New York, New York

'Images of an Icon offers a means of seeing Frida Kahlo’s world through the eyes of those who surrounded her. Modern masters of the camera such as Lucienne Bloch, Emmy Lou Packard, Florence Arquin, and Manuel Alvarez Bravo, as well as leading photojournalists such as Giselle Freund, Bernard Silberstein, and Fritz Henle captured her in their lenses. Kahlo’s relatives, lovers, and friends, including Guillermo Kahlo, Nickolas Muray, and Lola Alvarez Bravo were witness to a more intimate Frida. The images span Kahlo’s life and follow the artist from precocious child to famous artist. They permit a look into her bedroom, a seat at her table, a visit to her hospital room, a stroll through her garden, and a view into her collections. There is an ancillary component to the exhibition featuring the work of Northwest artists who have been inspired by Kahlo, the artist and icon.'

This exhibition is organized by Throckmorton Fine Art, New York. Local support is generously provided by Helen and Peter Bing and The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation.

Sure, Tacoma, Washington is 3,294 miles away from The Rock — but if I had 50 hours of free time — I'd hop in the car and beeline it out to Frida Kahlo: Images of an Icon, February 3 – June 10, 2007, at the Tacoma Art Museum. But, if you, like me, can't get out there right now (but we have until June of this year) — enjoy their site and resource links for more about Kahlo, and the photographers who knew, and loved her.

•••

Calexico: Quattro (Gotan Project Remix)
(Buy: Calexico: Black Heart)

Black Crow Snow Angels

Black Crow
Rockport, Maine
December 26, 2001

After the long wait for Winter — Snow! (And ice, eeks!)

So, today I'll give you something warm.

Enjoy, and get out and play!

•••

Bob Marley & The Wailers: Sun Is Shining
(Buy: Bob Marley & The Wailers: Kaya)

La Naissance du Jour

Sunrise on the ferry.
January 5, 2007

"You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm." — Sidonie Gabrielle Colette

Happy Birthday to G and Suz!

•••

Sugarcubes: Birthday
(Buy: Sugarcubes: The Great Crossover Potential)

Dave Matthews: Everyday
(Buy: Dave Matthews Band: Everyday)

And I'm throwing this one in — just because it was 55 degrees this weekend. WTF?

Frank Sinatra: Summer Wind
(Buy: Sinatra Reprise: The Very Good Years)

ELVIS LIVES (In Somebody's World, But Not Mine)

The Oval Office
White House Photo Office Roll # 5364
Oliver F. Atkins
December 21, 1970

On December 21, 1970, Elvis Presley paid a visit to President Richard M. Nixon at the White House in Washington, D.C. The meeting was initiated by Presley, who wrote Nixon a six-page letter requesting a visit with the President and suggesting that he be made a "Federal Agent-at-Large" in the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs.

I worked with a guy who had tickets to see Elvis perform in Portland, Maine — the day after he died, of a drug overdose.

I never liked Elvis that much, but he shared the same birthday (today) as my mom — and I love her.

Happy Birthday, Moms!

•••

Elvis Presley: Suspicious Minds
(Buy: Elvis Presley: #1 Hit Singles Collection: Limited Edition Vinyl Box Set)

The Heptones: Suspicious Minds
(Buy: The Heptones: Suspicious Minds)

It Ain't Nothing But A Tree Thing, Baby

Brown's Head Light House
The Rock
February, 2005

•••

With a house full of little critters (Babette, Maneki Neko, and the newly welcomed Marcel Duchamp) — a tiny little tabletop tree seemed the appropriate decor this season. We figured that it would be easier then yelling — "Get out of there! Get down!" — at the 'kids' every 10 minutes. We put the leash on Marcel, hopped in the car, and drove out to the woods in search of the perfect specimen.

After a long walk through the wilderness (of The Rock) and a little beach-combing, we stumbled upon the little tree — about waist high, and ideally conical. With my trusty, rusty bowsaw in hand — I bent down and took care of business. A minute later, we were walking back to the car, tree perched over my shoulder.

When we returned home, I opened the trunk of the car to the unpleasant smell of, what can only be described as, cat urine. If you have never had the smell visit your olfactory receptors, consider yourself very fortunate — if you have, however, you know the smell I was smelling. The tree did not make it's way into the house.

I conveyed this story to a friend who, at the end of my telling, said, "Oh, you must have gotten a skunk spruce." Indeed, I had.

A little research, please, and yes, Picea glauca or, the White Spruce (also known as Canadian Spruce, Eastern Spruce, Black Hills Spruce, Skunk Spruce and, oh, yeah, the Cat Spruce) — it was the last two caught my interest (and attention). Apparently, the white spruce, as a defense mechanism has, not only, stiff and sharp needles — but when young and immature, a distinctive odor; foul (when young) — but pleasant when older. How very interesting. How very foul.

We will be out looking for a new (kinder, gentler, sweeter smelling) tree this weekend — or making one out of an old Readers Digest.

•••

The Klezmatics: Hanukah Tree (Hanukkah)
(Buy: The Klezmatics: Woody Guthrie's Happy Joyous Hanukkah)

Vince Guaraldi Trio: O Tannenbaum
(Buy: Vince Guaraldi Trio: A Charlie Brown Christmas)

Radiohead: Fake Plastic Trees
(Buy: Radiohead: The Bends)

Brenda Lee: Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
(Buy: Brenda Lee: Jingle Bell Rock)

Belly: Feed The Tree
(Buy: Belly: Star)

Dr. Dre w/ Snoop (Doggy) Dogg: Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang
(Buy: The Chronic)

Anybody Want A Peanut?

Elephant Tree
Rockport, Maine
January 2005

•••

Kid Koala: Skanky Panky
(Buy: Kid Koala: Some Of My Best Friends Are DJ's)

Fun's Fun, But That's Not Fun!

Red Squirrel
Rockport, Maine
December 2004

"Fun's Fun, But That's Not Fun!"

You know what, I don't even know what that's supposed to mean, but Bernard tells me his Moms always used to say that to him when he did something he wasn't supposed to be doing. I guess if you can attach a mother voice it, it starts to make some sense. Any way, this post has little to do with that.

I hit a squirrel today — with the car.

I don't know if you've ever hit anything with a car before, but there's this sick feeling you (I) get in the pit of my stomach when something like this happens. (Although, this has happened only one other time before. But I remember that feeling. I do not like it.) I'm not one of those people who sees squirrels (or seagulls, or pigeons, for that matter) and has one of those little 'I wish I could kill those little effers! Rats with tails (or wings — in the case of seagulls and pigeons)! That's what they are!' moments — freaking the person, that thought they knew who you were — out just a little more then maybe you ever wanted. (Or they wanted to be, by somebody they thought they knew.) You know what I mean?

The squirrel lived. I think. I saw it run off to the side of the road and into the woods before I turned the next corner. I want to belief that I just grazed the little thing. I hope I'm right.

Drive carefully, and love the little animals. Outie!

•••

Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers: Roadrunner
(Buy: Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers: Roadrunner, Roadrunner: The Beserkley Collection)
Joan Jett: Roadrunner
(Buy: Fit To Be Tied: Great Hits of Joan Jett and The Blackhearts)

Let It Snow (No, Really, I'm Ready)

Roadside Snow Angel
Rockport, Maine
March 22, 2001

It snowed on The Rock today! It didn't stick, and if you weren't looking out the window for the 10 or 12 minutes it was coming down, then you probably wouldn't even have believed it (although it looked like snow all day — So why wouldn't you believe it?)

It's time to 'Wax the Board', if you know what I mean. No, literally, I mean it's really time to wax the board. Before you know it, the hills will be covered in some fluffy (read: icy), white snow — and it will be time to ride. Get ready!

•••

Robbie Williams: Angels
(Buy: Robbie Williams: Life Thru a Lens)

Little Boxes

Squirrel Shack
The Rock
November 2006

Little boxes on the hillside,
Little boxes made of ticky tacky,
Little boxes on the hillside,
Little boxes all the same.
There's a green one and a pink one
And a blue one and a yellow one,
And they're all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.

And the people in the houses
All went to the university,
Where they were put in boxes
And they came out all the same,
And there's doctors and lawyers,
And business executives,
And they're all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.

And they all play on the golf course
And drink their martinis dry,
And they all have pretty children
And the children go to school,
And the children go to summer camp
And then to the university,
Where they are put in boxes
And they come out all the same.

And the boys go into business
And marry and raise a family
In boxes made of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.
There's a green one and a pink one
And a blue one and a yellow one,
And they're all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.

Words and music by Malvina Reynolds.
©1962 Schroder Music Company, renewed 1990.

•••

Malvina Reynolds: Little Boxes
(Buy: Malvina Reynolds: Ear To The Ground)

F.T.W. Monday's

Bitchin' Chevy
Owls Head, Maine
March 2001

I woke up pretty easy this morning. Made coffee. Ate breakfast. Caught the weather, and jumped in the shower. And then all hell broke loose.

Couldn't find my car keys (for the mainland ride to work), although I looked until the last minute before I thought I could before I would miss the ferry. Got to the terminal with less then a minute to spare — hair wet. It's 20 effin'-something degrees this morning. Fortunately, Big K (and his car) are on the boat, too. He drives me down to work when we get to the other side.

The end of my work day comes too quick with the new winter ferry schedule (which sucks, by the way!) — and I call a cab to get me to the boat.

The taxi shows up at 3:05 — the ferry leaves at 3:15. We are 15 minutes away from the terminal (without traffic). The driver is a slacker. Gum-smacking, cell phone chatting it up with his girlfriend/wife while I watch the digital clock on the dashboard countdown. At 3:12, we are farther away then is comfortable for me and I start to figure out who I am going to call — after paying this shitehead 10 dollars for getting me to the boat after it leaves — for a place to stay tonight.

Surprisingly, he hangs up on his gf/w and calls a fellow worker at the terminal. "Hey, I got a guy that needs to get the ferry. Will you tell them we'll be right there." And we get there two minutes later. And the boat is still there. I jump out, give my slacker friend 15 bucks, and then go sit in the cabin, until I fall asleep — trying not to think about where the hell my keys are.

Which, at this writing, I have still not found. (But I am not mad — because I have this music in my head — and it won't let me go there. Go figure.)

•••

ABBA: S.O.S
(Buy: ABBA)

David Byrne: I Wanna Dance With Somebody
(Buy: Anything by David Byrne: It's all good!)

Riders In Rapture

Friday Evening Ferry
November 17, 2006

Red sky at night, blah, blah, blah.

My cold is (mostly) gone and I'm just glad it stopped raining. By the look of the clouds above — tomorrow looks like it might be a psychelectrodelica type of day. But, I'd just settle for a little sun.

•••

Go Home Productions: Psychelectrodelica(2003)
(Download: Go Home Productions: Psychelectrodelica(2003))

Go Home Productions: Rapture Riders (Blondie vs. The Doors)
(Buy: Go Home Productions: Rapture Riders)

You Are A Winner

Our (if you live on a rock-like island in Maine, that is) 2006 Winners!
The day after Election Day
November 8, 2006

I was in the local store the other day when someone stepped up to the counter and handed the clerk one of their lottery tickets. 'You are a winner', the machine spoke out, in its best Steven Hawking imitation computer voice. I thought that maybe everybody should hear that same response as they walked through the door. I know I'd dig it.

Well, these fine people (above, from left to right) can dig it. They are, US Senate, United States Senator, Olympia J. Snowe (R); Governor John E. Baldacci (D); US Representative, 1st District, Thomas H. Allen (D); US Representative, 2ND District, Michael H. Michaud (D); and House District 36, Hannah M. Pingree (D).

Now, I was thinking that, with the new influx of (D)'s in the win category this year, that maybe the first thing they could do is to take a vote and take the elephant for their mascot. I mean, it is a lot cooler then that donkey (or if you have a better idea, you just let me know). After that — do what you do people — I voted for you. I trust you.

•••

Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble: The House Is Rockin'
(Buy: Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble: Greatest Hits)

U2: Elevation (Tomb Raider Mix)
(Buy: U2: Elevation EP