Potluck Suicide

Skip Rope Cello on Myspace

2011-10-06T21:27:00.000-07:00

Our friends of the new band Skip Rope Cello have their Myspace page up. Their genre is described as something of an alternative, lounge, lo-fi, techno, punk-jazz. Check it out - including two song samples, by going right here: http://www.myspace.com/skipropecello

Marc Plainguet and Chris Yambar cover The Residents

2011-09-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

Well... after Marc Plainguet posted here at Potluck (a very nice moment for us), we sought to look up some Plainguet-related items online. Among other things, we were able to find this amazing treasure - a Marc Painguet and Christ Yambar cover of the Residents "Birthday Boy" (go here). Enjoy.

There might be something more wonderful than this in the world, but at the moment we can't think of what it would be.

ACM Journal Radio's Tom Stephenson: A Reigning Patriarch of Alternative Music Scene

2011-09-03T12:44:00.000-07:00

If you like alternative music with a Christian slant, you'd do well to get acquainted with Tom.

Before many in the alternative music scene could breath (even literally speaking) Tom Stephenson was digging up morsels of this genre from around the world. Tom worked as a DJ for many years doing college rock radio, he is the editor of the legendary ACM Journal (back issues can still be viewed by going right here). One of his "magnum opuses" was his work on his ACM Journal Compilation CDs #'s I-III. Mr. Stephenson was one of the first and foremost souls to dare to bring unsigned, alternative bands with a Christian influence into the mainstream by getting their efforts onto the CD format at a time when CDs themselves were relatively new. These compilations included bands from everywhere imaginable and the CDs themselves were distributed and played on radio stations around the globe (from Hawaii to London, to say the least). My own first exposure to artists such as Robert Deeble, Six-Pence None the Richer, and Poor Old Lu, came via these wonderful CDs. You may still check them out by going to locations such as this one - or by going right here.

Above and beyond any of this, Tom currently DJ's seven, yes seven... online radio stations. The stations are driven by particular genres featuring everything from alternative, rock, electronica, to Top 40. Notably, Stephenson has been able to discover a unique blend of tune selections that overcomes the chronological snobbery drive of "latest" or "mainstream" only-ism disease (for someone like me with one only one local FM faith-based station that seems to be allergic to... anything... over two years old or off the beaten path this is... ACM Heaven). In Tom's mixes one can discover everything from Pillar, Eleventyseven, and Relient K to Altar Boys, Daniel Amos, and Resurrection Band. Why aren't more stations like this? I don't know - you try and figure it out, but while your waiting, check out this ACM Journal online
"Alternative" station by going right here while other stations can be located by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Fortunately, there are also some vintage radio broadcasts from Tom's early years which can prompt some sweet nostalgia for some and a "schooling" of historical interests for others. I'm also looking forward to the installment of the next station in the construction line - entitled "eclectica" which will feature unreleased, demo, independent, eclectic, and otherwise obscure titles.

Let's hope Tom keeps unearthing and exposing music for a long time to come.

New Band: Skip Rope Cello

2011-08-27T15:06:00.000-07:00

My sources say be on the lookout for a new band called... skip rope cello.

You can try to ask me more information about the band, but I don't have anything more to relay about that.
You can try to ask me for my sources, but I won't give them to you.
You can try to ask me about Anthony Trollope's book "The Warden" and I might say something about that, but then, I might not.

You can try to ask me why this post has become so incredibly annoying, and... I don't know if I'll have an answer for you. Though, I might.

Atombender... continues to "do the best that they can" (which is pretty darn good - but they can use your help)

2011-07-29T09:37:00.000-07:00

One of the best new young bands around is Ames, Iowa's Atombender. Though the music of these friends who originate from Iowa State University defies description - fans of the likes of Weezer, Bleach, Relient K, Five Iron Frenzy, Blink 182, Madness, and the Supertones would do themselves a huge favor to check them out. Their music can be accessed at several locations online including right here. Their strong, previously released (2009) EP entitled "Poison Gases for the Masses" (which can be purchased on i-tunes by going right here), is full of gems that toy with the fusion of rock/punk guitar, horns and retro-synth - without ever becoming full-fledged "ska." Replete with both seriousness and frolics, my personal favorite tracks on it are "Silent," "Soldiers and Widows," and "A Better Plan" (their ironic, and in some ways even irenic staple closing song favorite in concerts..."we're doing the best... that we can... we'll be here until we think of a better plan").

Fortunately for all of us, the band is currently working on a new, full-length album "Wait of the World" which promises to toy even more with these magic blends. Here's where you as the listener come in: In order to help Atombender record and release this upcoming, full-length album, you can go here to sign up and make a pledge. If going that route doesn't work for you, another option is donating through paypal at this address: benwied@gmail.com.

Don't wait to do it, either, because there's a time limit.

(um... what are you waiting for?)

Regeneration Radio with Jeani Bond: THEE definitive online school of Alternative Christian Retro

2011-07-13T22:35:00.000-07:00

www.live365.com/stations/jeanibond

What do The Lifesavors, Andy McCarroll and Moral Support, The 77s, No Laughing Matter, and Weber and the Buzztones all have in common? If you don’t know, it’s probably because you’ve never heard of them.

For some strange reason, Christian alternative rock music listeners suffer from an intense sense of either… ignorance… or at least amnesia about the past. A guy named C.S. Lewis used to define this malady as "chronological snobbery." Someone said to me a number of years ago in a place far, far away… “I guess in the 80’s the only Christian rock band you had to listen to was Petra… ha ha ha – he he he.” Um… wrong :). Long before Relient K, and even much earlier than the O.C. Supertones there was such a “dish” being served which can be dubbed Christian alternative music.

Don’t get me wrong, I like Relient K and cohorts, but… MEMO: These chaps really didn’t inaugurate Christian pop-punk. Neither did MXPX. Some might argue "they've done it better." Ok - in some ways, perhaps, but like Green Day built on ground broken by The Clash, newer Christian bands have their predecessors to thank for churning up some early dirt. Beyond that, I'm reminded of something Jack White (of White Stripes) once said in an interview (I'll paraphrase) - "most bands look back and like their demo tapes better than the finished recordings - what we decided to do was just release our demos." There is an undeniable value of "demo tape" innocence that can't be measured, and this rings true with the early years of Christian Alternative music. A famous film director once said "if you want to get into film-making, just use what you have and start making movies - there's a lot you can do with just a cam-corder." I look back on the early years of Alt. Christian artists and so much of it has that wonderful, "cam-corder" - esque, no boundaries approach to writing and recording. In comparison, much of what you'll hear on current mainstream Christian radio is chock full of hopelessly, polished fences.

To get “schooled” in the genre of Alternative Christian Retro, I highly recommend checking out Regeneration Radio live 365 by going right here. If that link doesn't work for you, go here. Ms. Bond… Jeani… Bond, of Lloyd, Florida has a phenomenal, even incomprehensible, collection of formative, underground, and indie (etc) cuts that would embarrass most people’s surface level view – or recollection – of that era of tune-age. Even though I was an active participant in the “scene” during that time, I’m blown away by my own shallow remembrance of everything that was going down back then. For instance, Ishmael United – what a great band. They rocked. I mean – what a… great band. Or try Johnny Quest on for size. Or experience Crayzed Bunnies, The Magnetics, Blush, Blue Trapeze, Pietro Dinzee, or the Felix Culpa. Indies, demos, upbeat and offbeat. This is No Laughing Matter. You won’t hear this on corporate radio – and by that I mean virtually anything you can tune into on your FM dial. There are also other records I own that that I’ve been recently inspired to break out again which continue to deliver, such as Andy McCarroll and Moral Support. Then there’s Opinion 8? New December? And Go Go Street? As Butch and Sundance said; Who… are… those guys?

For a more extensive list of the station's artists, go here.

In case you think this era/genre with its bands is irrelevant, you might note how at least one knowledgeable on-line music reviewer credits several of the Regeneration Radio play-list bands as having produced some of the top 50 Christian albums of all time – including even less obvious acts such as the Altar Boys, Adam Again, The LifeSavers, Andy McCarroll and Moral Support, Steve Taylor, and The 77's (among others). In fact, check out the book “Walk On: The Spiritual Journey of U2” by Irish author Steve Stockman, and you’ll discover that one of the aforementioned bands (Andy McCarroll and Moral Support) was an early influence on the Irish icons during their formative years. Here’s an excerpt:

“It seems The Edge was especially taken with McCarroll’s magnetic stage presence, natural songwriting ability, and the spiritual intensity of the production. The Edge would eventually invite McCarroll to Dublin for a weekend just to shoot the breeze about the purpose of what they were trying to achieve” (Walk On, p. 25)

So tune in to Regeneration Radio and get schooled – or at least re-schooled. You might even get regenerated (when was the last time you chewed on lyrics like this as part of your normal Christian music diet?).

When you tune in, contact the station and tell them you heard about it from some off-beat reference point called Potluck Suicide.

SPIN says Relient K Among Top Ten Must-Hear Artists on Vans Warped Tour

2011-07-13T21:27:00.000-07:00

For all the "K" - heads out there, I thought I might post this bite of information: Relient K has been named by SPIN magazine as one of the top ten "must hear artists" on the current Vans Warped Tour. They're placed specifically at #7 out of well over 100 mainstream bands. The reviewer specifically mentions being a fan since purchasing the 2004 album Mmhmm, noting that the band "found a way to play piano in pop punk, but ina more subtle way."

Go here to read it for yourself.
To see Relient K tour dates go here.

John Lennon Goes Conservative?

2011-07-11T10:27:00.000-07:00

Was John Lennon a closet political conservative late in life?

This is apparently the testimony of one of his assistants. Here are some excerpts from the article:

He says, “John, basically, made it very clear that if he were an American he would vote for Reagan because he was really sour on (Democrat) Jimmy Carter.”

“He’d met Reagan back, I think, in the 70s at some sporting event… Reagan was the guy who had ordered the National Guard, I believe, to go after the young (peace) demonstrators in Berkeley, so I think that John maybe forgot about that… He did express support for Reagan, which shocked me."

“I also saw John embark in some really brutal arguments with my uncle, who’s an old-time communist… He enjoyed really provoking my uncle… Maybe he was being provocative… but it was pretty obvious to me he had moved away from his earlier radicalism."

“He was a very different person back in 1979 and 80 than he’d been when he wrote Imagine. By 1979 he looked back on that guy and was embarrassed by that guy’s naiveté.”

Go here for a link to the entire article.

With at least a couple of biographies noting that Lennon had a short season of embracing Christianity, I’m personally of the view that Lennon didn’t know what he truly held to and spent his life searching all the way up to the tragic end (for testimony about his “Christian” season see “Lennon in America” by Geoffrey Giuliano pp. 131-132 – note also the same book bears witness to his abusive tendencies pp. 19-21, as well as documenting his racist – including anti-semitic – rants while drunk – see pp.132-133, 143).

Here are some other excerpts from the book based on the 1979 period:

“But as the days grew shorter and an autumn chill descended upon Manhattan, Lennon fell once again into a dark hole of desperation. He was shooting heroin with alarming regularity, whether to ease the pain of a sore tooth or simply ward off boredom…”

“The substance abuse, however, wasn’t limited to John, who grew concerned that Yoko was heavily indulging herself. Alarmed, John begged her to stop, but couldn’t very well preach what he himself didn’t practice…”

“‘At first I thought Yoko was ill, but then I realized she was simply strung out on smack.’ The fact that both John and Yoko had relapsed make it virtually impossible for them to kick their habits. Someone would tun up with some quality cocaine, and the pair would invariably succumb to temptation, even as an exasperated John secretly prayed for divine intervention.”

“One evening Lennon, examining a life that seemed worthless and directionless, confessed in his audio diary that he had been looking out the window and contemplating whether to leap. But even suicide, it seemed, would have required more passion than Lennon had at his disposal” (pp. 199-200)

John Lennon was a very gifted songwriter, but I find the trajectory of his life to be very sad.

Reborn and Sondogs Rock the Square in Chariton, Iowa

2011-07-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

Reborn singers and keyboard player (Amanda Coker - not in full view)
along with Sondogs' Robert and John Thatcher

In spite of some rain and sound equipment difficulties, Iowa bands Reborn and Sondogs played inspired song sets in the Chariton town square to enthused folks who drove in to attend. I was one of the folkage who had the privilege of being there. Reborn, which on this occasion had a number of slots filled in by members of the Sondogs - led in a set of mostly upbeat, yet heart-felt worship. Highlights for me included the opening number - which was a cover of the Chris Tomlin song "No Chains on Me" - as well as their own infectiously groovin' version of "Let it Rise."

Kara Rich and Andy Rich (related only in Christ) with Sondogs' support

Singers Andy Rich, Kara Rich, and Amanda Schroeder had their usual awesome vocal chemistry going on, and the support of Sondogs' Robert Thatcher added well to the mix.
At one point, a mystery accordion/harmonica player was even invited to join them for a rootsy Gospel medley of "I'll Fly Away/I Saw the Light."

Mystery accordion player with Son Dogs' singer Robert Thatcher

As the set built in energy, the worship participation of the attendees also grew. The band climaxed with the original song "Who I Am" - which featured the solid, rock baritone lead vocals of Andy Rich, as well as the addition of a soulful echo from Sondogs guitar player/singer John Thatcher. The three of them together prompted in my mind hues of Christianized versions of Ronnie Van Zandt (Andy), Michael Stipe (Robert), and Joe Cocker (John) being together on the same platform. It's a very musically rewarding combination.

After taking a brief hiatus as a band, fans can only hope that this is a hint of a kind of "rebirth" for "Reborn." There are many who will be looking to hear more from them in the near future.

The Iowa Band known as the Sondogs also rocked the square on this wet day in July.

Sondogs siblings Robert and John Tatcher, with John's son Nathaniel on drums

Beginning with retro-esque organ notation, their surprise opening cover version of the W's "The Devil is Bad" was quite a welcomed punch in the mouth to get their set going.

Keyboard player Ian Richardson cranks up the opening notes of "The Devil is Bad"

"Dogs" drummer Nathaniel Thatcher provides some early, back-beat poundage

From there, the set moved quickly to staple favorites, being a cover versions of Larry Norman's "Outlaw" and Crowder's "Undignified."

Along with the excellent praise and worship, their original songs resonated especially well outdoors, with the edgy harmonies of the Thatcher brothers and the reverberated guitar riffs of newcomer Charlie Hale. Hale's playing draws to mind Mark Knopfler's sound on the Bob Dylan Gospel album "Slow Train Coming," with his stratocaster copy singing well for him during the instrumental interludes. This was the case during their more kickin' tunes - like their driving cover of "Spirit in the Sky" - but it also rang true during more mellow approaches, as in their thoughtful original song "Love Me."

Charlie "Knopfler" Hale and Steve Thatcher

All the way through to their final song (a jarring rendition of Third Day's "Gone") the Sondogs showed once again both their straight ahead, yet reflective approaches to Gospel rock. Word has it people can look forward to them playing some more upcoming concerts, including an appearance at "Spirit Mid-West" on August 5-6 in West Des Moines (Go here for information on this). The Son Dogs website can be found right here.

Reborn's facebook page can be accessed right here.

Special thanks to... Reborn's Andy Rich, Kara Rich, Amanda Schroeder, and Amanda Coker - along with Sondogs' Robert Thatcher, John Thatcher, Steve Thatcher, Nathaniel Thatcher, Charlie Hale, and Ian Richardson for a great afternoon of music.

Your Friend,

-Eric H

A section of "spud-age" rockin' to Reborn and Son Dogs

Ethel Mae Potter Got the Shaft

2011-07-05T15:31:00.000-07:00

I've always thought Ethel Mae Potter got the shaft. She goes through her hometown on the way to Hollywood and people mistakenly think she's the one looking forward to a career in tinsel-town.

So what?

Why can't Ricky just bite the bullet and let her have the spotlight on this occasion? Is this such a huge loss for Ricky? What is it that she did to justify the brutal, public humiliation they put her through? (see by going right here).

This has always burned me, and it's not funny. Not at all.

-Eric H

Daniel Amos Concert Review: Zeke's in Ames, Iowa June 16, 2011

2011-07-01T08:15:00.000-07:00

The return of the beat menace

Chronicles continue to be written – even on summer nights here in the mid-west. Ames, Iowa may not be located exactly on the “glory road” trail, but unbeknownst to some, Iowa’s I-35 has been dubbed the eschatological “Highway of Holiness.” I'll have to re-check my eschatological views on that one, but while I'm doing that... …enter… a band called Daniel Amos.

It had been a long, long… long time since I’d seen Terry Taylor and company in concert. Since they haven't toured in over ten years, most other DA fans can likely empathize. Back in the (very) early 1980’s, the first Christian album I ever purchased was Daniel Amos’ “Horrendous Disc” - with my purchase of the first album installment of the “Alarma” chronicles following quickly on its heels. Back then, the Christian music scene took a long time to catch up with what these artists were doing – and it’s arguably yet to have caught up even now (if there’s any doubt about this – go here and re-assimilate the song “Shedding the Mortal Coil” – keeping in mind this avant-garde art song with lyrics drawing from a Shakespearean-filtered Biblical worldview expression - was written and recorded smack in the middle of 1979-1981 when everything represented by the aforementioned was considered to be highly suspect. Many in Christian circles were still not even sure if a Christian should… ever… play an electric guitar, let alone “getting all weird” about it).

In spite of everything that’s already been said about them – it remains nearly impossible to not give way to understatement. In those days, along with their style experimentations, lyric boundaries being pushed, and deeper thoughts being mined, there was always the trademark “fun” to be had. During that season, there was a progressive consolidation of all of it going on in my own life – which not only directly prompted me to think more “Christianly,” but also planted the seeds of taking classic Christian literature seriously. As an early listener of D.A., I’d had very little exposure to the likes of T.S. Elliot, C.S. Lewis, Dostoevsky – just to name several who have been lyrical and visionary influences on the band. Eventually, the works of these kinds of authors became a significant part of my own life. You might say Taylor’s lyrics were used by the “Master” to crash down the “walls” of my “wood” between two “worlds.” Over the long haul, I’d even like to think I became less of a hollow man (speaking of - go here to tap into yet another Christian literature inspired art-tune that was light-years ahead of its time in Christian music experimentation).

Thankfully, this summer 2011 set list was replete with stand-out favorites. This includes “Mall Over the World” “Walls of Doubt” “Endless Summer” “Ghost of the Heart” “I Love You #19” – among others. The set also featured the more “modern” classic – Kalhoun's “If You Want To.” There were also a number of surprises, like one of my all time favorites “Hold Back the Wind, Donna” which I never thought I’d get to hear them play live. The audience was even treated to a testimony and presentation of the first song Taylor and Chamberlain ever wrote and recorded together (which will remain nameless in this review to keep from spoiling it for 2011 concert goers) – with the two of them eventually being joined by the rest of the band with amazing vocal harmonies.

Mesmerizing vocal harmonies

I want to note that the addition of Paul Averitt has more than held up the expected smokin' DA bass riffs, but has also resulted in exemplary vocal support (kudos to Paul for being versed enough in DA discography to be able to punch out some impromtu measures of "Shedding the Mortal Coil" upon request). Also, the 2011 guitar combo of Chamberlain and Flesch is the equivalent of having Chuck Berry and Snakefinger on stage at the same time. Ed McTaggart, as usual, rounds things out with the ever-interesting, choppy punches on the drum-kit.

Furthermore, experiencing the solo platform presence of Jerry Chamberlain singing “Man in the Moon” (from Horrendous Disc) was… surreal. He also explained that the song was about Sung Myung Moon - something I never realized.

"Man in the Moon"

After he finished... I voiced out loud "Little Crosses?" and got him to chuckle.

Along with some others – I had a great time requesting songs out loud – mainly for the sake of interaction with the band. At one point, if I should say so : ), I was able to prompt a strong arousal from the crowd during a particular silent moment by boldly stating two simple words with demonstrative diction:

Dance. Stop.

After people whooped in response, Terry said: “Our dance stopped a long time ago” (with laughs all around). Classic. The set did feature the edgy humor of “New Car” and “Hide the Beer, The Pastor’s Here” (if only Terry knew there was a “pastor” in attendance it might have been even more humorous).

"be a little more specific"

Jerry sports Doppelganger guitar

Silly interaction with the band notwithstanding, I personally wouldn’t have changed anything in the set list. Much of this is due to the fact that there was such an excellent representation from the wide variety of thoughtful gems in their catalog (including "The Twist" "Sanctuary" "Buffalo Hills" "Joel"). I will always like the “Dance Stop(s)” of the DA world, but there is a reflective poignancy in Terry and DA’s 2011 summer set that I wouldn’t trade. Fittingly with the Johnny Cash shirt Mr. Taylor was dawning, I’m of the view he and the band have the potential to write/perform their best material during this “last trimester" of their careers. They not only sound great vocally/harmonically – I would go so far as to say there is a more markedly pensive, even more decidedly spiritual element in their concerts than I can recall from the old days. I’m reminded of Ravi Zacharias’ book “Recapture the Wonder” - and it is quite evident that Mr. Taylor… has (not that he ever really “lost” the wonder). Consequently, we as the listeners get to share the sanctuary.

Terry shares the wonder

My wife and I were even with some new friends experiencing DA, in every way, shape, and form... for the very first time - and they seemed very pleasantly "into" the whole set.

In all, the setting (at "Zeke's" - Ames, Iowa - an awesome venue to see a band) was intimate and the crowd enthusiastic – which resulted in the inclusion of the band playing two encores that were far from gratuitous. Putting it mildly, attendees wanted them back - badly. They were the band that… nobody… wanted to go away. Quite frankly, this reviewer could have listened to them play all night.

Afterward, the band availed themselves to hang out and chat. I had opportunity to talk with Mr. Greg Flesch who was extremely gracious to me and my wife and signed my CD. I also had a nice, but brief chat with Ed McTaggart (who also signed my CD). Finally, I had a chance to talk to Terry. As a side note, I had met Mr. Taylor one other time at a song-writers conference in Anaheim, Ca. back in 1987. For reference, when I met Mr. Taylor the first time I was a precocious, starry-eyed, chit-chatty 19-20 year old kid carrying around some collection of songs entitled… “Potluck Suicide” – and I… talked Terry’s ears into the abyss. Thankfully, in God’s providence, I had a chance to apologize to Mr. Taylor for that – and he sort of just laughed and accepted my apology. He remembered that day and recalled the “nightmare” of having an extemporaneous “tape reviewing” responsibility dropped in his lap. He was thoughtful enough to ask me if I was still writing songs. I tried not to talk his ear off this time, but we did get our picture taken together.

This was a “closure” moment of sorts for me, although I’ll be enthused about any of their upcoming releases and the prospect of them coming back around on tour in the future.

So… guys… for whatever it’s worth - for the 19^th time I want to say… “I love you.”

Your Friend,
- Eric H

There are still some tour dates left to see DA this summer. Go here for info.

Sondogs with opening band Reborn - July 3, 2011 - Chariton, Iowa

2011-06-22T18:36:00.000-07:00

The Sondogs originate from both Lucas and Wayne County in South Central Iowa. Their fans can look forward to July 3^rd to hear a very unique set-list of original songs and choice covers. The “Dogs” are known for mixing up a repertoire replete with everything from likes of an edgy version of “Amazing Grace” to resurrected covers of Bob Dylan’s Gospel songs. This reviewer has heard the band play on a number of occasions, and has always been impressed with the band’s chemistry. The Thatcher brothers (Robert and John), who make up the chronological “middle” section of 3 generations represented in the band, offer a vocal balance with a grittiness that hearkens classic rock at its best, and the band also features tight – yet still somewhat dangerous instrumentation (featuring both electric and acoustic guitars with John Thatcher and the recent addition of Charlie Hale; Bass: Steve Thatcher; Keyboard: Ian Richardson; and Drums: Nathaniel Thatcher). Their instrumental sound rounds out the vocal expression with a wealth of depth while still never becoming a mere “wall of noise.” With so many strong original songs, fans wonder why they’re yet to get into a studio and record. Until they do, audiences can expect live versions of their original songs along with some stand-out covers. Their cover songs will vary, but will often include the likes of Collective Soul’s/ Pillar’s “Heaven Let Your Light Shine Down” and even Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky.” Listeners are traditionally enthusiastic in their response to the Dog’s raucous version of David Crowder’s “Undignified” (think shades of the “Proclaimers”) as well as to their particularly stellar, jugular vein cover of the late Larry Norman’s “Outlaw.” Rumor has it they also have in their hip pocket a cover version of Norman’s “Why Don’t You Look Into Jesus?” Having recently played Iowa’s "Bash on the Farm” – which included mainstream acts such as "Barlow Girl" - be looking to hear more from the Son Dogs in the future.

The Cornerstone Praise Band/Reborn will be opening for the Sondogs that morning. Reborn has a reputation for bringing people into the presence of God in a heartfelt manner while still being edgy in their presentation. Vocalists Andy Rich and Amanda Schroeder, among others, lead audiences through an experience of both gratitude and conviction.

Sondogs with opening worship by Cornerstone Praise Band / Reborn: Sunday, July 3, 10:15am @ Cornerstone Community Church - 120 Northwestern Ave, Chariton, Iowa 50049 (641) 774-5683. Admission Free

http://www.cornerstonecommunitychurch.net/

Sondogs and Reborn will also being playing in the Chariton town square that afternoon (July 3) starting at 3:30pm. Admission Free

Sondogs video for original song "True Love"

Reborn video covering Need to Breath's "Washed by the Water"

Isaac H Explores The Deeper Meaning

2011-06-22T13:02:00.000-07:00

In the world of Isaac H, probing examination must take place concerning the existential implications of a work known simply as... October 31, 1978 (Art Institute of Chicago, Aug. 2010)

Why Potluck Suicide?

2011-06-20T10:01:00.000-07:00

Nobody's exactly certain what Potluck Suicide is, nor will they ever really know - but the following might contain some helpful lamp-posts: In the midst of our ever-growing, Orwellian cyber-world, internet dialogue keeps popping up similar to what's pasted below:
____________________________________________
scholar and fool wrote:
[...] (sort of like
my irreplaceable _potluck suicide_ grr.)
Dude, i had that cassette! IIRC the lyrics went something like this
"it was a potluck suicide, wonder why he died, we all know but we
don't wanna tell" (oh well, it's been a looooong time). I loved that
tape until it inexplicabilly disappeared from my collection. I tore
the house apart but it was gone.
It still bothers me that i lost that one.
that's the one. great stuff. i still have the case with the liner,
but no cassette. i would love it if i could find someone who has it
and has transferred it to mp3 or wav or could make me a dub. or maybe
if someone knows how we could get a copy. that would rock.
______________________________________________________
Back in college some friends recorded some songs. This was a season of life built on 3-D bricks and a particular iconic, yellow brick. The first collection of songs was entitled "Potluck Suicide" - which some considered to be the name of the band. One particular "friend" named John Mabry is partly to thank (or blame?) for this project. The influences included the likes veterans Daniel Amos and DEVO - along with some side-path experimental artists such as Laurie Anderson, The Residents as well as the Pebbles and Bam Bam duet. Some songs were "performed" at various minor gigs. Following the recording of the initial collection of tunes, a stream-lined recording was made with two additional songs ("Pastor on a Stick" and "Cabbage"). This came to be known by most as the first "Potluck Suicide" album (considered by innumerable masses and mobs to be a true... classic). This cover art dawned a bleak white-out look as opposed to the original black-n-blue out cover art. Both were designed by a very gifted, and vocational artist named Andy H (that part has no tongue-in-cheek). You may peruse the white-out version at the Key Records archive page by going here. Thanks to people like Bruce Heavin, Tom Stephenson, Jeani Bond, Erin Hooper, and Dan Kennedy - among many others - a number of copies of this cassette got into the hands of people in some distant locales (including Belgium - believe it or not - those poor people). Many copies were sold at a new music stand at one particular Cornerstone festival outside Chicago (as someone reminded me just recently by email - the song "One Inch from Dumb" appeared on the ACM journal compilation CD - thanks to Tom Stephenson, and the song was played on radio stations all the way from Hawaii, to Seattle, to Florida, to Europe...). A follow-up album was also recorded entitled "Stan Was A Plush Toy" which was an obscure kind of allegory of sorts featuring sandbox life and armies of Grand Torinos - among other things (view here - art also designed by Andy H). As if that weren't enough ("please stop"), we recorded an "unreleased" tape of songs entitled "We've Never Listened to Marc Plainguet (but we'd probably like his stuff)." To this day, virtually nobody has heard the songs on the latter album, although some "live" versions of its content have been presented at New Years' Eve events within our local food-fellowship circle - along with the commonly requested song "Potluck Suicide" - sung during actual potlucks. Typically a good time is had by all.

It's probably needless to say that these tunes are dripping with irony, contain much humor, and on occasion might even fit the category of "student art" (although the songs do have a point - at least most of them : ) - every now and then a listener might stumble upon something very serious). There is a certain Erasmus-ian In Praise of Folly element to much of the lyrical content which can certainly be influential - as "Folly" was on Luther, although I make no claims to be much of either of the aforementioned.

There have been a number of requests that these previously recorded songs would find their way online in some newer formats but until then, it's been discovered that some of them are being played on underground radio stations that feature offbeat play-lists. One internet station of this variety is called "Regeneration Radio Live 365" and may be accessed by going right here. So... go there... and check out a unique radio station with some bands you've probably never heard of. Here is also another station that mentions Eric H from Potluck Suicide on the playlist.

We're thankful for many of these kindred spirits because, among other reasons, through them we're able to develop a much needed outlet for connection with people of similar interests. This site partly for some to experience "closure" - and partly for others to delve into a new opening. Who knows, maybe in the future previous music will be available on CD / online downloads - etc - and maybe we'll go back into the "studio" to cook up some new material. Until then, there remains a plethora of fellow pot-luckers - including people from the past, present, and future - who are interested in exchanging recipes regarding music, art, books, history, food-fellowships, and our old friend Tom Foolery. If you don't know Tom, you might take some time once in a little while to get acquainted with him.

This site will feed on both the old and the new. Feel free to email about any of the above as well as forwarding any/all your own links to be thrown into Ms. Potter's famous "linkage casserole."

Good luck. Eat up.

Your Friends,

Potluck Suicide