John Thill

Amended DEA Fires Tracklist

2011-12-16T22:00:00.000-08:00

This record will be coming out on Bridgetown Records in the Spring.

LADO A>
Indian Blanket
Solar Hits
Ominous Sounds
Poncho and Moonlight
Budding Fruit

LADO B>
Informers
The Grow
DEA Fires
Pilgrims
Weeds

DEA Fires Tracklist

2011-08-02T07:58:00.000-07:00

Here's the tracklist for DEA Fires thus far....

Indian Blanket
Informers
DEA Fires
Pilgrims
Solar Hits
Ominous Sounds
Poncho and Moonlight

http://soundcloud.com/johnthill

If you couldn't guess this album is about agriculture in Northern Claifornia.

Where am I?

2011-02-19T17:45:00.000-08:00

Though it is true I've been hiding out in the nether-regions of California, amidst the fumes of paradise, I have been working on several projects...slowly.

I. DEA Fires

An EP on Emerald Triangle cultivation and eradication

II. Water Wars

An insurgency involving water rights in the California Delta

III. Parking Lot

Record about the many conceptual permutations of the parking lot

IV. A record about the Napa Valley

Very hard to understand place and people, but I persevere.

For new recordings go to www.folktalerecords.com
They are selling my second full length President of Happiness on cassette with download code.

Los Angeles Shows this week

2010-01-19T21:07:00.000-08:00

1.20.10
PORTS O'CALL BEDROOM
2136 E. DEODAR
WEST COVINA
$3 ALL AGES 9PM

JOHN THILL
WHITMAN
NO PAWS (NO LIONS)
SEAN PINEDA

1.21.10
WOMEN OF CRENSHAW
1852 CRENSHAW BLVD.
MID CITY, LOS ANGELES
ALL AGES 9PM

RED HOT THILLY PEPPERS 360
NARWHALZ (OF SOUND) [RICHMOND, VA]
HAWNAY TROOF [OAKLAND]
SHAMS [RICHMOND, VA]
CHILL TENDENCIES

1.23.10
THE COOP
1417 W. 36TH PL
JEFFERSON PARK, LOS ANGELES
$3 6PM ALL ALGES
ALL THE CREPES YOU CAN EAT

JOHN THILL
VOICE ON TAPE
THURSTON MOORE IS A FAGGOT

1.23.10
PEHRSPACE
325 GLENDALE BLVD.
FILIPINOTOWN, LOS ANGELES
$5 9PM ALL AGES

JOHN THILL
NICOLE KIDMAN
HAUNTED TIGER
FULL FRONTAL
SCATTERED LIKE BIRDS [OAKLAND]

1.24.10
THE SMELL
241 MAIN ST.
DOWNTOWN, LOS ANGELES
$5 9PM ALL AGES

JOHN THILL
PIZZA!
I.E.
MUSICAL CHAIRS
ARISTIDES

It'll be rad. lot's of musical highlights, lots of friends.

2.1.09

2009-02-01T19:08:00.001-08:00

1. I've posted a new song titled Day at Disneyland about entry into somekind of psychedlic inferno below the magic kingdom. Pay close attention to the segue between songs on the myspace player.

myspace.com/johnthill

2. The Broken Freeways tape has been released by Unread Records. I think it's one of the best releases I've had my hand in. It chronicles a time without plentiful gasoline in Los Angeles' dumpy suburbs. West Covina is the site of civil unrest, East Los Angeles is a warlord's fiefdom, Pico is an agricultural land of plenty.

Unread Records

3. The Sun, Smog & Hate compilation LP, released recently by Folktale Records has charted #1 on KSPC, Claremont. It's a good collection and it features a song by yours truly. The rest of the line up is formidable; Voice on Tape, Andrew Jackson Jihad, Foot Ox, I.E., Whitman, Clark 8 and more. It's cover was drawn by Brian Blomerth of Narwhalz infamy.

Folktale Records

KSPC

4. My Goth Tales Ep is still available for pre-sale through folktale. Here's the basic lowdown on that.

"Many of you may already know Thill for his tendency to work with concepts for his releases, and this record lives up to that in full effect. This is a collection of eight songs about gothic/pagan culture. The songs are dark, distorted, and often disturbing. The pre-order comes with two additional mp3’s, one, “Dark Will” is an outtake from the record, and the second, “Sword of Fire” is a new song written in the theme of the record. Both songs are exclusive to this pre-order. The album will come on tinted-red cd-r’s which is packaged in a large, black screened on black, fold-out, upside down cross."

Folktale Records

5. The mp3 blog 20 Jazz Funk Greats recently reviewed a track of mine, though most of the buzz surrounds the accompanying photoshop picture in the entry.

20 Jazz Funk Greats

6. I'm looking for Bay Area shows to play, pretty much anywhere. If you have leads for me, by all means get in touch.

I'm Moving and A Lot Is Happeing

2008-12-03T00:19:00.000-08:00

I

First things first. I found out last week that I will be moving to the Napa Valley ala Mr. Big to take a job at Napa City-County Library. I’m leaving LA sometime in the latter half of December. The position is full time, will supply a substantial cut in tuition at San Jose State University. What they say about Napa is basically true. I don’t really give a shit about wine, but it certainly is gorgeous. I will certainly be down in Los Angeles to play somewhat frequently, but clearly shows in Sacramento and the Bay Area will be far more common.

II

On a similar note, there will be a going away party at 6143 Fountain Ave. in Hollywood. You may know it as the Denver Dome. Thanks to Josh and Kyle for wanting to send me off in style. Apparently all of my bands will be playing that night, which means one can expect a line up consisting of Allusions to Jazz, Red Hot Thilly Peppers, John Thill 360° and John Thill. I would love to see all my friends in SoCal come out because I know there will be plenty of people that I will miss.

Saturday, December 13
The DENVER DOME
6143 Fountain Ave., Hollywood

III

I’m playing at a health food / organic grocery in Claremont…With Kevin Greenspon! The mind is boggled.

Ecoterra is located within the confines of the “The Village” in Claremont. I used to live in this town. I find it particularly strange that only now am I performing therein. Do they know that Kevin Greenspon is not organic?

IV

I’m playing a somewhat massive show at Ports O’Call Bedroom on Sunday, December 14. This maybe your last chance to hear lots of songs about West Covina in West Covina.

Sunday, December 14
Ports O’Call Bedroom
2136 E. Deodar, West Covina
(enter trough the side gate, go to the pool house)
Uggamugga (Arizona)Stellaluna (Arizona)Nicole KidmanJohn ThillPat ReganHatchlingsThe Life Of Girls TodayDead Ape

V
Broken Freeways (Unread Records)

This is a new tape, just out. I should have copies soon. Here’s the scoop from the Unread website.

“Newer than new cassette from John Thill...by and by...inland strum. High concept recordings dealing with a future of absent fuel in the suburbs of Los Angeles...mainly West Covina, but not limited to. Listen close to the new sound of songwriter. Hearty and full.”

"the land between the rivers"
"petty king"
"joker and the nazis"
"the flower of west covina"
"white power"
"holiday at the biosphere"
"broken freeways"
"slow rapture"
"the pillars of old malibu"
"the golden hills"
"dry year"

VI

The long delayed (by me) Goth Tales CD is available for pre-order through Folktale Records. I hear the cover design concept is awesome, some kind of Satanic fold out with Goth poetry I wrote while drunk at Women on Crenshaw. This record is SO SAD!!!

Can’t really remember all the song titles some were named dark symbols tied to ancient alchemy. All you need to know is there is a song about doing it with a Wiccan chick. I’m ill not sick.

My phone works now, so call me up.

How Lame I Am Now

2008-10-08T11:05:00.000-07:00

I was sick for over a week, pretty much endured a strict hibernation, involving no contact with the outside world. This was aided by a broken phone that has no visual display, so if did recieve calls I couldn't return them.

There is nothing like getting good and sick to set you back on all fronts. I lost, for a short time, the flash drive which contained my life's work (musically) after my computer crashed. I think I was so out of it I dropped it in the car then forgot about it for over a week. I'm glad to not have to endure that potential devastation.

I'm seriously considering moving to the Bay Area if I can get a certain job. Specifically to the musical void of Napa. What reasoning could I possibly have for this?

1. A extreme cut in tuition from San Jose State, possible because I would be eligible for Regular Session, as opposed to the more expensive Special Session.

2. Clean air for my girlfriend's daughter who seems to be developing asthma by living near the 60 freeway.

3. A full time benifitted position, which has eluded me here in Southern California for a couple years now.

We shall see. The current feasability of it all seems questionable.

Here's a multimedia update on my happenings:

Video from Irvine show: http://vimeo.com/1807528

Next shows

October 18 Ports of Call
2136 e. deodar
West Covina CA

October 19 Back to the Grind
(4pm to 12am)
3575 university ave.
Riverside, CA

NEWS 8.18

2008-08-18T20:43:00.000-07:00

Silence.

So I have been neglecting this blog, so the TRUE updates probably range beyond what will be covered here. Work is stressing me out right now, so let me talk a little about things that are less likely to be objects of annoyance:

1. Midwest Vacation
2. New “Future” Record in the Works
3. State of State Address
4. Compilation News
5. Upcoming Shows

1. Midwest Vacation. I’m going to Omaha, somehow someway for a likely show with Simon Joyner in November. I’m not sure if I want to fly or drive. Driving would mean dates in OKC and West Texas. Flying means more upper Midwest shows. Either way I’m excited at the possibility of playing with one of my musical heroes, enough to get all lame and girlish about it.

2. New “Future” Record in the Works. So I’ve spent over a month now working on new songs for a record about the future of a post gasoline Los Angeles where movement is more difficult and infrastructure has collapsed. Now, while I feel guilty subjecting people to such a high concept record, everyone should breathe easy because all the songs thus far have been very approachable, maybe even pastoral, but not in a gay way, you know. I’ve been playing a lot of these songs live lately, many of which are based in West Covina. In a world without the car all I can think is that this hellhole in the center of the San Gabriel Valley would decay into a wasteland.

So there. Now, influences here range from mountain songs to Brazilian forro, anything super democratic. The songs thus far, may give you an idea of the tone:

The Flower of West Covina
Holiday at the Biosphere
Joker and the Nazis
The Pillars of Old Malibu
Slow Rapture
The Land Between the Rivers
The Emperor of ¼ and ½

3. State of the State Address. Here’s the skinny on various things supposedly destined to come out beneath the John Thill banner.

Goth Tales – This is long delayed by myself because I haven’t finished the cover art.

Voice on Tape / John Thill Split 7” – We found a great home for this release with Tiny Panda Records out in Phoenix as part of the “Seven Inches in Heaven” series. Right now it’s slated for December. My contributions are “Loud Birds” and “In the Valley.” This will be solid!

President of Happiness – I’m still working on getting some overdubs done for this record. Then I’ll actually worry about securing a label to put it out. Might end up on Shrimper, but I haven’t talked to Dennis Callaci about it yet, so it’s up in the air. I know this much; it has solid guests on it thus far, including Brad Dunn, S. Pineda, Clark 8, Whitman, Golden Boots, Sam from No Paws (No Lions). Sick!

Girls of Meth – New copies arrived in the mail on Friday and I’ve already sold a few. I’ll get this tape back up on the site ASAP, but it’s likely to sell out again before we get too deep into Fall. This has always been one of my favorite releases I’ve done, great bang per buck ratio. $5 ppd in the USA / $7 ppd elsewhere. Send funds to presidenthappiness@yahoo.com

4. Compilation news. I don’t even know where to begin. I sent out a lot of stuff to labels for compilations many of which I’ve forgotten about completely. There’s a couple I’m pretty excited about.

Sun, Smog & Hate: This Phoenix/Los Angeles compilation has amazing stuff on it and it will be a classic in my book. I have some intimate knowledge of it because I was forced at gunpoint to master it by the label head. Yo j/k. But really French Quarter and the Voice on Tape tracks alone make it worth whatever cash you got.

Rot Box: Chris Fischer, who I’ve never actually met, but I feel very indebted to is compiling I quote “a compilation of records and garbage.” I would take it literally if I were you. I love this label and its ethos, though I doubt they are as thought out as I might assume. Chris just does stuff the way he likes to. I have yet to turn in my track, but I think it’s about Atlanta’s sprawling airport, unless I come up with something better soon.

5. Upcoming Shows:

8.31 Shamel Park, Riverside w/ Brother Mitya
9.15 Pehrspace, Los Angeles w/ Human Host & Gabbertree
9.27 Shamel Park, Riverside w/ Whitman, American Gil

Going slow with the shows for awhile due a hectic schedule, but I’m working on songs everyday. So I’ll get a better handle on the situation soon. Working on a master degree as we speak, going to school on the internet is utterly lame. Where’s the motivation to do anything.

So the other night I was awoken by Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Helicopter shining a light repeatedly in the backyard. What dangerous criminals are on the loose? It turns out the whole incident barely warrants a footnote in the news though it stole more than an hour of my sleep. LA County uses a helicopter to pursue car thieves, seems rather ridiculous to me, couldn’t a cruiser suffice. I was hoping to see the incident on Topix.com along with a discussion strand rife with gang slogans. Sorely disappointed.

COCHINA VIDEOS / WRAP UP

2008-06-11T00:52:00.000-07:00

Cochina Festival, June 6 / 7 @ Higginbotham Park, Claremont, CA

1. The beauty of pure retardation is exhibited by John Thill 360 featuring Kyle Mabson, Rogers from No Paws (No Lions) and Thill. June 7.

2. Ema & The Ghost covering Leonard Cohen, June 6.

3. Nicole Kidman plays "Statis from the Air" on June 6.

That's it so far. I post more as they appear.

GUERO VISION

2008-03-25T12:14:00.000-07:00

Seeing life in guero-vision. It’s so sweet girl.

It has been a busy week. So let me tell you all about it. The love, the angels.

1. Shouse Fest round up.
2. “The Sluts” 3” on Faux Pas Records
3. Team Andrew Birthday & Pehrspace Benefit
4. Mini Tour with 60 Watt Kid & Fantastic Magic
5. Help out the Mini Tour

1. Well, Shouse Fest at Turtle Shouse in Riverside was pretty ill, ended up occupying an entire Saturday with dranks and multiple permutations of macaroni and cheese. (I think Miranda’s version was victorious due to its spice quotient.) So there were a lot of good jams throughout the long day including Pizza!, No Paws No Lions, Kevin Greenspon, Voice on Tape, I.E., S. Pineda. I ended up playing on the roof using an extra long guitar cable. (Somewhere pictures are supposed to exist of this.) Mabson played bass and Lou Anda played drums. I think it turned out pretty good considering; A) I didn’t fall off the roof B) I couldn’t find Sam when we were supposed to play C) Mabson and Lou had never played with me before. At the end of the set I saw one of the Turtle Shouse’s neighbors taking a picture of me on the roof, which may later be used as evidence in a court of law. The real thanks for the awesome time had goes to Clayton and Rob, the men of the Shouse, and Sam for setting it all up. By the way, this all happened in Riverside. Yes, Kyle Mabson was in Riverside for a whole day.

2. The Sluts, previously on cassette has been reissued on 3” CD via Faux Pas Records out of Massachsetts. It features a little bit different track list and a differing version of “The Divorce.” Clarity, that’s what I’m talking about. You can buy it for $6 via paypal: (presidenthappiness@yahoo.com)

From the label:

John Thill: "The Sluts" 3" CD-R FAX 005

This is a reissue of John’s EP, formerly released by JK Tapes. This is the first album I’ve put out that I’m not on, and I’ll admit, I’m pretty proud of it. John is an incredible songwriter, and this EP is at once beautiful, haunting, and any number of other adjectives really, this was a real pleasure to release. The last time I saw John, he put a bunch of broken glass in his mouth and swirled it around with an electric toothbrush. True story. Cover image is a wonderful painting by Seda Puda, and the whole thing comes in a fuzzy, leopard-print pocket.

3. Dateline March 30th: I will be siked out of my mind. I’m lucky enough to be playing with the true angels of Los Angeles, The Mae-Shi. Whyfor? It’s Andrew’s birthday (Team Andrew, 14 Year Old Girls, Trandrew) AND a Pehrspace benefit. So there you have it this situation is win-win (is that a game theory term?) we are celebrating important people and places. Andrew is one of the masterminds behind Friends in Other Dimensions; the premier false docu-drama-music-porn film about L.A. And then you have Pehrspace; my life would suck without Pehrspace. I would have nowhere to go when I don’t want to suffocate in clouds of Upper Crust pot smoke in Claremont.

4. Another exciting prospect on the horizon is this: Mini tour with 60 Watt Kid and Fantastic Magic. Repping most major urban centers in California this tour should be off the hook.

Friday April 11
The Smell, Los Angeles
60 WATT KID
FANTASTIC MAGIC
JOHN THILL
SMACKS

Saturday April 12
Tower Bar, San Diego
60 WATT KID
FANTASTIC MAGIC
JOHN THILL

Sunday April 13
Echo Curio, Los Angeles
60 WATT KID
FANTASTIC MAGIC
JOHN THILL
VOICE ON TAPE

Monday April 14?
IE / OC / SGV / SFV / LB
Where?

5. Perhaps it is short notice, but if you know of a place where myself, 60 Watt Kid and Fantastic Magic can play on April 14 please hit us up. We would prefer it be in Southern California, but not in the central Los Angeles zone. We’re talking outlying areas especially Orange County and the Inland Empire. We accept charity from crust punks, mind melders, conspiracy theorists, lesbians, bro types and especially anyone who understands the unifying power of Raider Nation.

FRIENDSS

2008-03-13T16:47:00.001-07:00

some of them....

two forms of mysticism

2008-03-13T16:38:00.000-07:00

#1

#2

FREEdumb, gothness, roommates

2008-03-13T16:32:00.000-07:00

1. Free Stuff & Restock:
2. Roommates?
3. Goth Tales
4. Singers?

1. I finally got "the Sluts" tape, but wasn’t really siked on the sound quality, though it looks good. So I decided I’ll give it away free with orders for a limited time. I can’t say it sounds great, but a better version will be re-issued by Faux Pas out of Massachusetts.

Free! (with purchase)

Here are other new/restocked items

Girls of Meth$4

John Thill/Littles Paia split tape$5

Love DUI 3" $4

Paypal: presidenthappiness@yahoo.com

1. I am putting it out there. I’m moving to Whittier May 1, somehow, someway. I’m looking for possible roommates to help make this cost effective. People with stable income that can drop $500-600 per month and feel the joy of not living with insurance adjusters or rasta law students. I think I got one other person in this with me. Send me a message.

2. I just finished work on a new EP called "Goth Tales" it is all about darkness, crystals, spells, Satanism and rebellion.

Here’s the tracklist:
1. untitled
2. Wiccan Girl
3. The Sky Weeps Blood
4. untitled
5. Ring of Razor Wire
6. untitled
7. In My Dungeon
8. Satan Is My Only Friend

3.…I started working on a new EP called "Gospel of the Carwash," which will be a "Gospel" record. For this reason, I am recruiting singers to help out with this particular record. It will need lots of varied vocal tracks. Please get in contact with me if interested. This record comes from the sudden lack of a car stereo in my life. I make em up as I drive.

4. Next show: March 22, Turtle Shouse, Riverside.

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GUERO HAIR

2008-03-05T16:50:00.000-08:00

2008-03-03T20:01:00.000-08:00

Rip Van Cholo fell asleep in Whittier in 1987 an woke up in 2007, luckily nothing had changed.

2008-03-02T21:38:00.000-08:00

The BIG and the small

*Played with Little Wings at Pomona College
*Got in an argument with roommate about broken glasses
*Played a pretty sick L'Keg show in Echo Park
*Ran a business seminar at work
*Check engine light is my new best friend
*I turned 26

1. Merchandise has been replenished to some degree, still no sign of The Sluts EP, but these are available now:

-Girls of Meth Tape $5 ppd USA
-Littles Paia/John Thill Split Tape $5 ppd USA
-Love DUI 3" $4 ppd USA

Paypal is presidenthappiness@yahoo.com

2. More on the new Split: Littles Paia is country western mash, sly speak-hop. Good skewed freakmusik from Denver, CO. My side consists of 25 songs under 30 seconds and. Why did I do such a thing? I don't know, but there you are, you'll either be annoyed or intrigued as no song builds past simple chorus mechanics. Lots of variety sound-wise, but all things happen grindcore fast, without double kick or too much distortion, only minimal decapitation and mayhem oriented imagery. Released by Star Ship Stereo in paint splattered boxes. A sample up on the myspace.

3. Recorded with Dennis Calacci of Refrigerator again in Claremont. Sounds good if slightly hissy.

4. Been playing with drums courtesy of Sam from No Paws (No Lions). The sound is slightly punkish. Maybe we'll do a Green Day covers record.

5. Work on the Goth Tales EP continues, things are DARK. This record has found a home, unlike the literally hundred of goth teens roaming the streets of America.

6. The new Whitman LP is very very near full assemblage. I played accordion and violin on it. It's a pretty amazing record that sounds unlike anything else. He is currently accepting pre-orders to help cover his rent this month. Ouch! Buy one. www.myspace.com/whitman

If anyone has pictures from L'Keg or the Little Wings show let me know.
Send me your address if you'd like to recieve an illustrated newsletter in the mail.

2008-02-24T18:48:00.000-08:00

1. New song destined for the Goth Tales EP has been posted. It’s called “Dark Will,” kinda “eh” in my book, but no worries I got better goth numbers on the way. “In My Dungeon,” now that shit is gonna be sexy/dark, you know what I mean? On a related topic many of your favorite L.A. idiots can now be found on www.VampieFreaks.com There you’ll find myself (www.vampirefreaks.com/johnthill), Whitman, Kyle Mabson and Sean Carnage. It is very dark.

2. Played at Claremont Colleges last night, despite the show being moved a couple times there were a lot of people there. Enjoyed myself, was well paid and happy. Thanks to Abbi for her logistical heroics and Sam Zipper for getting me on the show. Next show is the 29th at L’Keg in Echo Park.

3. Supposed to have my “Sluts” tapes very soon, next week I hope. JK tapes says they are sold out of them otherwise. The Las Lonely Girls is also near completion.

4. Anyway, slim pickings on musical news really, but I got everything sorted out to start my job at Whittier, which a relief. Works as a good birthday present, that and the fact that I got out of working a split on Thursday. Boring.

Playlist:
60 Watt Kid – Time Change CD
Finches – Six Songs CD
Palms- Holiday Song
Calabi Yau – Plastic Surgery Song
Clark 8 – Easy One
I.E. – Luvin in the I.E.

Bureaucratically Afflicted

2008-01-26T15:33:00.000-08:00

1. Oh, the catch 22’s of life. So I got tired of being one paycheck away from disaster and thought well, I’ll pick up a second job. All went well with that until the City of Whittier decided I need a waiver from my “primary care physician” that states I can sit behind a desk with a heart murmur. Serio! Of course I don’t have a personal physician or health insurance, so I have to pay for another physical examination out of pocket to get that paper that I need to move and pay rent/security, etc. All the politicking and phone calls I made didn’t succeed in getting this requirement waived. Therefore, in attempting to get rich I have become more broke. This situation amuses me. So….if you feel like buying records from me that would be awesome. I have copies of Girls of Meth available now I also will be putting up some records and discs on Ebay very soon, at very reasonable prices. I will post to show you the goods soon.

2. This week will be busy with recording. On Sunday I’m extracting some more cello from Rich Seymour (Clark 8). On Monday I’m heading to Hollywood to track some jazziness with Josh Taylor and Kyle Mabson. Later in the week I’ll be attempting to meet with Dennis Calacci for some collaboration.

3. JK Tapes has released “The Sluts” EP. It is available at www.jktapes.com. Soon you’ll be able to buy it from me directly.

4. The Las Lonely Girls 7” has been test pressed by Limited Appeal. Now I just need to get the artwork done. The front cover is going to be something like this:

http://www.myspace.com/limitedappealrecords

5. Flyers for February shows have been popping up…Here they are…

THE WIND OUTSIDE.

2008-01-16T22:06:00.000-08:00

1. Put in my notice today. I'm moving the out of Claremont. Why move from Forbe's 5 best place to live in the USA? Hippies. Rich kids. That one naked chick you might have seen at my house a few times. Anyhow, off to Whittier March 1. I got a second job thereabouts and I am getting my own dang apartment, a minor miracle in dear Los Angeles County. I'll miss that room with dope acoustics and the farmers market grocery down the street – and being close to some good I.E. friends.

2. I finally got "Girls of Meth" tapes to sell direct. Getting them was something of an ordeal, not because of the label, but because someone painted the wrong address on the curb of my house and then Fed Ex wouldn't deliver the box, so I had to drive down to the City of Industry and Brea Canyon was closed and blah blah blah. So anyway send me $4 paypal at presidenthappiness@yahoo.com if you want one and you live in the USA. It will help fund my travels westward.

3. "The Sluts" tape was released this week on JK Tapes. You can buy it for $6 postpaid from the label. Perhaps I will see copies in a short while.

4. A very important show is occurring at Pehrspace on Friday. Why so crucial? Because it showcases the best talent the city of Phoenix has to offer. Foot Ox, French Quarter and Splinter Cake. Extra added bonus is super goth Whitman and myself. We know you have many choices on Friday night, I won't even go into how many because it boggles the mind, but Pehrspace is gonna rule. Get to it

5. Lots of early February shows are materializing. I'm working on a new record.

New Years Resolutions

2008-01-01T13:40:00.000-08:00

I had a dream that I was driving and then I reached an interchange and it was dark. The rain started falling as I was going up the embankment I decided to pass a car on the left shoulder. I felt the wheel slip on the wet ground. I was caught on the slope, which was getting progressively steeper and I couldn't break because the ground was too wet. And then I was rolling down the embankment off int o space.

New Years at the Smell was good, but I did get a parking ticket for front plates. Thanks to Jim Smith and congrats on 10 years ruling the earth from an alley in downtown LA.

Here are my new years resolutions.

1. Play in Mexicali and the UK next year.

2. Move further into the mess that is LA.

3. Hang out with family more.

4. Get another full length done.

5. Play some shows with a band.

6. Get up to the bay a couple times to play.

7. Start working on my masters degree.

Open Letter To Many

2007-12-27T21:32:00.001-08:00

Dear Peter of JK Tapes,

I almost finished my tape. I neglected lots of other stuff in the hope of finishing it. As you might have heard its called "The Sluts" and samples are on my myspace page. I think I have a couple more things to wrap up. I am glad you continue to urge me forward

Dear Brian Miller,

I know, I am way overdue with my Cassette Gods column. I keep telling myself I'm going to attend to that issue, but then I record another song or drink another beer or decide to make grilled cheese sandwiches. Right now I'm doing two of those things.

Dear Twin Wives,

Thanks for hosting that killer show/party/art show at your house and letting the Las Vegas Club and me play. Sorry I left early. Sorry that the next day Chris called you from my house really drunk. Keep in mind, he also broke the neighbor's Christmas sign and smashed one of my guitars that night. But you both rule and I'd like to express that to you in a public fashion.

This is Chris on Sunday.....

Dear Potluck Attendees,

Thanks for coming and acting crazy, except Chris – you probably acted a little too crazy. Special thanks to Dalton and his bro for making awesome Mexican Pizza. Thanks to Las Vegas Club for chilling and not being too pissed when they couldn't play because it would risk physical injury.

Dear Deirdre,

Thank you for posting those videos of me playing at the Cocaine on youtube and on my comment page. It is good footage in my book.

Dear everyone else who left me comments recently,

I have been slow. See my message to Brian Miller for explanation as to why. I was bummed and then I was sick and then I got stressed about getting a second job and then I sat up reading, you know.

Dear Books,

I love you. I am glad I work in libraries and I'm glad a second library felt inclined to hire me.

Dear San Gabriel Valley,

I need to move to you because you are closer to my work(s). Anyone know of a room to rent in the SGV, but not too far north or west? I should probably bug Dalton about it.

Dear Jim Smith,

Thank you for booking me on one of the Smell's 10th anniversary shows, New Years Eve at that. And thank you for being the rock and the beacon in the Southern California music underground. You rule. Maybe when I move to the SGV I can put in some volunteer hours at your fine establishment.

Dear Brad Dunn,

Your new songs are wonderful, they remind me of feelings I couldn't express when my marriage was breaking up. I glad you made me remember. You've granted me the power to look back and not be afraid.

WEEKLY HAPPENINGS

2007-12-18T11:31:00.000-08:00

I realized traffic is an A major.

1. My roommate left for the Bay, which has basically turned my life into Heaven. I have already knocked out two new tracks now that my house has ceased to be an agro study hall. I’ve been working on an EP called “The Sluts” for JK Tapes. Here is a ven diagram that describes its main themes

Thus far track list is

Vow
The Sluts
The Good Men
The Poses
The Divorce

You can hear a preview on the myspace.

www.jktapes.com

2. I’m throwing a potluck to celebrate life and my roommate being out of town.

December 23rd 1PM
@ 851 Scripps Claremont, CA
w/ music by
Las Vegas Club
Kevin Greenspon
+ one

3. MORE:
December 20
@ Turtleshouse
3164 Celeste Ave in Riverside
w/ Andrew Jackson Jihad
Whitman
Lazy Lungs
Madame Zero

4. MORE:
December 22
@ Twin Wives House
Alvarado St. in Pomona
w/ Halloween Swim Team
+ one more

5. New video from the Cocaine show awhile back…

Oscar Niemeyer

2007-12-15T15:27:00.000-08:00

Landmark mid-century architect Oscar Niemeyer turns 100 today. He is best known as the deigner of the planned city Brasilia, which contains some of the most daring modernist architectural pieces on earth.

SEA WORLD

2007-12-07T13:58:00.000-08:00

I am so gonna touch a dolphin on Sunday.

Huh!

My Current Favorite Consumer Product & Upcoming Show

2007-12-05T01:21:00.000-08:00

Douching it Up!

2007-12-05T01:07:00.000-08:00

I roll in and out of this weird scene as Erin Allen tries to ATTACK! I don't understand what is happening either. Charlie McAllister is "playing" a haircut.

S'update of the week

2007-12-05T01:00:00.000-08:00

ENDLESS STRUGGLE BRO!

....Or something to that effect. The last couple weeks have been marred by one all encompassing deficiency: My roommate isn't going to class, instead she's staying home and studying everday and hogging the room with the DREAM acoustics. But yeah this is what happened despite it ALL...

1. Discovered that you should be able to purchase the "Girls of Meth" tape from Unread Records. Chris moved to Atlanta, which was probably smart. I don't have copies yet to sell streetside, but hopefully soon.

2. Confirmed a 7" project with Limited Appeal Records out of the Boston area. They will be rocking wax for "Las Lonely Girls," which is a four song record about...lonely girls, or maybe its just a lighthearted look at loneliness as a general feeling. Oh baby.

3. Wrote a whole host of songs for an EP that will be called "The Sluts," which will be put out by JK Tapes. Its all about the intersection of ecstacy, emotion and pornography. I got my songs about girls from Eastern Europe lured into internet porn by meth dealers, girlfriends who cheat on their soldier boys in IRAQ, and the great occasion of a divorce. Now it just needs to be recorded.

4. I started reading this book about 20th century music and it's cultural impacts and started getting all stupid with a Dm D D7 progression and throat singing. Que Bella.

5. I got a show this weekend at the Cocaine in downtown LA. Dec. 8th. GO! Besides that I'm gonna go to Sea World and hang with my lady. So right!

Don't forget about the love,

John

Video That Has Influenced My Music Most Over the Last Few Months

2007-11-30T21:52:00.000-08:00

CUE, BABY ASIA, CA

2007-11-30T18:25:00.000-08:00

Life in Riverside

2007-11-30T12:50:00.000-08:00

From a Foxy Digitalis interview with the band Belly Boat:

What's the craziest thing that's happened to you guys while you were on tour?
We once were both hit by a car in Los Angeles. Later, in Riverside, a house in the neighborhood we were playing in caught on fire, and burnt down. No one seemed to notice or care.

I remember this Riverside incident. They were playing at my house and another house in downtown burned down.

2007-11-29T19:18:00.000-08:00

From Foxy Digitalis

"John Thill has been a key figure in California’s Inland Empire underground music scene for a while now, running the admirable Nightpass Homemade Records label, and fronting the frequently quite good Aum Rifle and Quem Quaeritis. The experimental and genre-melding leanings of those bands have been, for better or worse, kept in the closet for “Heart of Grime,” his first record for the venerable Shrimper label, and his most straightforward release to date. While it is a folk-ier than anything Thill has put out before, it’s not a pretty listen. It’s violent, angry, and challenging, primarily in its lyrical content, and tries to represent Thill’s trademark frustration literally, devoid of the abstract tendencies seen in his earlier work.

Very much a study of his seemingly equally beloved and hated hometown of Riverside, CA, “Heart” is a dark record, devoid of any of the comical irreverence that made Quem Quaeritis’s music so exciting. A quick look at the song titles, such as “Violence,” You’re Dead,” and “Get High,” to just name a few, makes the overarching themes of the record easy to glean. Is it suburban-ennui? Ghetto-imagining? Or is it genuine hard-living? Probably a little of all these, and more than a little self-loathing.

Call it Post-Utopic California Nightmaring, and try to imagine the polar opposite of any Little Wings record. This is “Heart of Grime:” another vision of the Golden State, to be taken with as many grains of salt as any sunny, Arthur Magazine-approved retro-dream. Whether this kind of negativity makes good listening is ultimately a matter of taste. Cynicism, irony, and self-references play well with certain crowds, and Thill may well garner a wider fan base with this outing.

Sonically, “Heart of Grime” does rather well. Vocal overdubs add a strength to Thill’s nasally voice in a way largely unexplored in his previous work, particularly on “In May,” the records only quasi-uplifting moment (well, the first half of it anyway). The crisp and fuzzy lo-fi aesthetic, something Shrimper knows well, is utilized to its fullest here. While very much a “singer/songwriter” record, the largely solo acoustic accompaniment never seems clichÈ, and the bits of distortion that float to the surface now and then are always welcomed. Sadly, though, Thill’s Tuvan-esque throat singing (a genuine talent he displays live) is at largely hidden within the recording.

Whether culturally “authentic” or not, “Heart of Grime” remains a unified work, composed, no doubt, with cathartic aspirations. It’s place within the Thill trajectory is ultimately a little bit of a let down, but it’s place as a piece of anti-Californian art may well be praised in the face of so much SoCal –based reality TV and Hollywood/Hip-Hop high-fashion and image-making. For those of us outside the Southern California’s sprawl, strip-malls, dissatisfaction, and boredom, however, it may prove to be unwanted negativity." 6/10 -- Jon Pitt (28 November, 2007)

Unfortunately I didn't have to imagine too much to make this record real.

I Was in a Brawl

2007-11-27T22:15:00.000-08:00

Turtle Shouse, Riverside 11/24/07

Pictures by Brian Perez.
Look, I'm the one dressed like a douchebag

Closing Time @ Pehrspace

2007-11-27T14:50:00.001-08:00

The Jams

2007-11-26T17:54:00.000-08:00

EXPOSITION PARK

2007-11-26T15:55:00.000-08:00

Next show:
December 2
@ Exposition Park Rose Garden
Los Angeles, CA
w/ Pat Regan
And others