Curtis Eller is one of the most dynamic solo performers I’ve ever seen. He has the rare ability to pull a hush over a bar crowd and keep them transfixed through an entire set. For a lanky banjo toting guy in the 21st century sporting baggy pants, suspenders, and a bushy animated mustache who sings about such anachronisms as pigeon racing, Buster Keaton, Jesus & circus elephants, that’s quite an accomplishment! Especially since his only backup accompaniment is the spasmodic stomping of his own feet. Had he been born in the right time period, he’d have been a shoo-in for the big-time, maybe even a Hollywood silent era comedy star. But I digress… When I picked up his latest album, Taking Up Serpents Again, I was afraid that Curtis’s studio persona would pale in comparison to his live show. I needn’t have worried. From the melancholy plucked opening strains and baleful yodeling of the title track to the frenetic polka pace of Sugar in My Coffin, this album showcases the full range of Curtis Eller’s talents plus a great cast of backup characters all wrapped up in a neat little package beautifully designed by artist Jamie B. Wolcott. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys moody music with a vintage, All-American-Circus flair.

I’ve seen Rasputina quite a few times, and they’re always inspiring. Being a nontraditional cellist and somewhat of a Romantic myself, I always enjoy watching Melora Creager and her merry band of cohorts work their magic on the crowd. Their Grandma’s Attic dressup-trunk clothes, fantasy headpieces, homemade patchwork blankets & twinkle-light decor create a dreamy, dusty fairytale world onstage that never fails to draw me in to the morbid not-so-happy-ending storybook lyrics and heavy, harmonious cello-rock riffs of the songs. And Melora’s stage banter is usually an eye opener too, full of historical fiction tidbits & wacky music biz insider gossip you’d never hear anywhere else. (For example, this time we were treated to a joke surmising the possible whereabouts of Hitler’s missing testicle!) Last night was a solid performance, as usual. As the band members took the stage & curtsied, a recorded musical interlude played that made me feel as if I was watching a scratchy, sepia-toned historical film about famous Turn-of-the-Century Vaudeville performers about to fall from the height of their popularity. (Ok, so we had just watched Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? the previous night so maybe those feelings were too easily conjured, but I’m just trying to convey how truly magical this band is, so bear with me people.) The illusion was only tarnished in a couple of spots…For one, there was the rude crowd of baseball-watchers at the back of the club who insisted on cheering loudly at inappropriate moments, ruining the quiet interlude of the band’s set (Melora even remarked her disappointment at having to skip some of the quieter songs, which really, really saddened me.) Seriously folks – if you wanted to watch baseball instead of Rasputina you should’ve stayed home! Also, 2nd chair cellist Zoe Keating seemed to be having some technical difficulties throughout a good part of the set, which definitely affected her cello’s ability to project sound, and may have also accounted for the band seeming a bit distracted and distant at times…or maybe they were just tired from touring and annoyed with the RedSox shenanigans. They didn’t quite seem to have their usual 110% to give the crowd last night, but they gave generously of what energy they had.

The sparkling holographic label on this package grabbed my attention on an otherwise mundane trip through the cleaning products aisle at the grocery store. The neon green sprayer nozzle & translucent violet bottle, reminiscent of Jack Nicholson’s 1989 Joker costume, screamed at me to pick it up and take a closer look. And the name…”Kaboom!” How could I resist? On closer examination, the label read “New fresh scent,” along with the promise to remove soap scum, dirt & grime buildup, and even limescale (limescale??) from any bathroom surface. Because of my weakness for nifty packaging & promises of fresh scents, I decided to buy it although the price was slightly higher than my usual brand. (Doubtless due to the expense of that fancy sparkle-ink.) My review?? Well, they’re not joking when they claim that this product dissolves grime buildup quickly! However, the “New fresh scent” leaves a lot to be desired…In fact, I must admit to my suspicion of the “no toxic fumes” claim on the manufacturer’s website. I’ve never smelled anything so vile in my life.

This is the most boring book I have ever read. Period.