Pop Renaissance

Hope Chest - If Luck Should Smile Down Upon Us EP

noreply@blogger.com (pop renaissance) — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 14:40:00 +0000

Hope Chest

"If Luck Should Smile Down Upon Us"

4 Song EP Released 1st Week In April.

October (It Still Comes Once A Year)

I'm Only Trying To Live

Too Tired To Sleep

Beautiful

Covers Album "Handmade Vol. 1" Available On UK & US Tour Dates Only.

The Genius That Is Yacht Rock

noreply@blogger.com (pop renaissance) — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 03:23:00 +0000

Yacht Rock - Episode 1

Seriously - this is some inspired shit that is just about the funniest thing ever. Methinks Uncanny Canadian would dig this.

Meet Isabella

noreply@blogger.com (pop renaissance) — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 19:33:00 +0000

My Sweet Alcoholic Baby

? Needs Your Help

noreply@blogger.com (pop renaissance) — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 16:06:00 +0000

UPDATE, UPDATE, SUPER-IMPORTANT UPDATE:

From Marla:

OK we got pay pal set up finally can you post it.

Go to Pay Pal.com
Click the Send tab
put in this email addressquestionmarkdonations@msn.com
put in the amount, continue and follow the rest of the instructions and
...the donations will go directly to Questions account.

PLEASE BUY A SHIRT FROM QUESTION MARK AND HELP OUT A LEGEND

? and the Mysterians. "96 Tears". Quite possibly the best garage song of all time.

Question Mark (yes, it's his legal name) has headed the legendary Mysterians since the mid-60s and has been covered by many people, The Stranglers namely. Well, Question Mark needs some help:

I'm sorry to bother you, but a emergency has just come up. ? & The Mysterians, has had a HUGE tragedy, We need to get the word out to fans and friends. This past Tuesday night, ?'s home in Clio, MI. that he has lived in with his manager and manager's wife, since 1967, burned down taking with it 4 of his 7 Yorkies, his parrot and everything they have ever owned including his gold records, laptop containing all his downloaded material, photos, posters, all his stage clothes, every single thing he owns. He was in the basement doing laundry when he smelled smoke. He ran upstairs in time to rescue three of his seven Yorkies, two of whom are blind, but could not save the others. They are uninsured and living in their tour bus in the yard, next to their barn as they also raise pigs, chickens and a few other farm animals. I would be interested in putting together a benefit for him, but as of this moment I am looking for some help in getting the word out for donations. Winter is finally baring down on us this week and living in the bus with four adults and three old Yorkies is going to be tough. They don't have clothing, dishes, basic needs as of this moment and at his age to rebuild, (he is in his sixties) is going to be very difficult. He is devasted at the loss of his precious pups and I'm just trying to get him by until he can mentally handle the devistation. The fire department told him it was a electrical fire.

Please contact me and let me know if you can put the word out. Something, anything would be appreciated. If anyone would be interested in helping us do a benefit or something, please contact us asap. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Marla Swartz
Eldar Entertainment
517 548 1780
msswartz@chartermi.net

Question Mark also had a few hundred shirts in his van and he's trying to sell them as well. $25 a shirt (includes shipping). Email Marla and she'll tell you where/how to send payment.

I almost died in a house fire once but our dogs woke us up and got us out. We lost practically everything, but no lives or real livelihood. My heart goes out to you, Question Mark.

WOOHOO!

noreply@blogger.com (pop renaissance) — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 16:00:00 +0000

I'm going to see Brian Wilson at the Paramount at the end of the month! These are his last few shows playing "Pet Sounds" in its entirety and Al Jardine of The Beach Boys will be there too. I am SOOO excited. This ALMOST makes up for not being able to see Morrissey at his L.A. shows.

I Guess I Just Wasn't Made For These Times

noreply@blogger.com (pop renaissance) — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 23:57:00 +0000

Hello again.

To quote one of my favorite songs of the 70s, "Well, I've been one poor correspondent...I've been too, too hard to find, but it doesn't mean you ain't been on my mind".

Truth is, I've been under incredible mental strain. Hope Chest is doing very well and LOTS of things are happening: we're very close to getting a couple of major breaks, we're touring the U.K. in May, we've a bunch of talented new members...and everything is on my shoulders. I'm the one creating the possibilities and since it's my band, I must see them through or the "what if?" blame falls squarely on me. All of this has been building for months and when coupled with regular things in life getting in the way, it all lead to a pretty solid mental breakdown last night. All the incredibly sordid details are a bit much, so we'll just say that:

1. Every emotion was experienced to its fullest
2. Beer bottles bounce off of walls surprisingly well
3. I learned how to tie a noose
4. Cats just KNOW shit

This morning I woke up completely lost. No idea of what to do with myself. Having just read bios of Brian Wilson and Syd Barrett was doing me no fucking favors. Though I've been away, I'd kept up with my favorite blogs just lurking up til Thanksgiving when the strain was starting to get to be too much. Today I felt I needed some good company and went 'round the blogs again to find the incredible, surreal, mind-boggling Tucker Carlson / Chuckles saga. To say this brought me out of my mental coma would be an understatement: I haven't laughed that hard in MONTHS. It's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard and it happened to Chuckles The Toilet Destroyer, of all people.

You never know who your friends are until you need them. And this morning I found out how much I really needed my friends. You gave me the shot in the arm I needed and wasn't sure how to find, and for that I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Here's a link to my new demo. I hope you enjoy it. You'll have to cut-&-paste cos Blogger ain't digging links right now: http://www.yousendit.com/download/EsgNFt9nkY95TA%3D%3D

1 Year Anniversary

noreply@blogger.com (pop renaissance) — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 19:17:00 +0000

This weekend marks our 1st anniversary of marriage. Though The Old Lady and I have been together almost 8 years now (!), this is by far the sweetest and most important anniversary we've had. And yes, flowers are en route.

The year has flown by so quickly it seems unreal that a mere 12 months ago I was driving up to Fort Bragg with Paul, both of us hungover in epic proportions. Being someone who previously had completely shunned marriage (my father's advice to me growing up: "Never get married, never have kids. Trust me."), I find myself more in love with The Wife every day, which I never thought possible. To say I'm lucky to have found my soulmate and be married to my best friend would be a total understatement - I've basically won the emotional lottery. There's nothing I cannae do or get through with her there by my side.

We've got a 4-day weekend together and I couldn't be any more chuffed to have my baby all to myself for that time. I hope you all have a fantastic weekend and I'll see you next week.

Tis The Season For Bronchitis

noreply@blogger.com (pop renaissance) — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 17:14:00 +0000

UGH.

The Old Lady and I have been sick for a week. Damn near everyone we know is sick. And lucky me, being seasonally asthmatic, I've come down with bronchitis. I hope you are all taking yer vitamins and have a stockpile of soup.

Workin' All The Live Long Day

noreply@blogger.com (pop renaissance) — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 19:03:00 +0000

I'm training a new employee this week, so I've not been visiting much. I promise to return next week completely partied out with stories to tell.

Lovefest SF is this weekend. Ambient Mafia party that night. Well wicked.

This Is TOO Much

noreply@blogger.com (pop renaissance) — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 20:47:00 +0000

This is really tripping me out right now.

UPDATE: Okay, this is tripping me out even more.

Okay, I've Stopped Crying Over The Zombies

noreply@blogger.com (pop renaissance) — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 16:16:00 +0000

Cos next week a veritable POSSE of us are going to see:

Who is supposed to feature:

And opening the show is:

So I guess things have been worse.

Oh yeah: me and my crew The Ambient Mafia are gonna tear this fucking gig UP. Miss at yer own peril.

OH MY FUCKING GOD

noreply@blogger.com (pop renaissance) — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 20:23:00 +0000

THE ZOMBIES ARE PLAYING 12 GALAXIES TOMORROW NIGHT.

Seriously. The fucking ZOMBIES. It's $20 and I am sooooo fucking skint right now after moving it's not even funny. I think I am gonna cry. No, I take that back - I KNOW I'm gonna cry. In fact, I'm gonna go do it right fucking now. Jesus Christ on a popsicle stick...The Zombies...FUCK.

I Like 3 Day Weekends

noreply@blogger.com (pop renaissance) — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 17:00:00 +0000

I hope everyone had a nice weekend. Cos I didn't.

Moving SUCKS, even when it's right next door. I spent the majority of the weekend going through boxes and bags in our new garage/practise space/recording studio. It has become painfully apparent that The Old Lady still loves holding on to EVERY SINGLE CATALOGUE she's ever been sent. However, it's about 80% done and looking pretty freakin' cool. The huge white sheet for the slide projector is the piece de resistance, though - looking at an enormous Audrey Hepburn projection when yer practising is nothing short of inspirational.

And thanks to the 3Bulls! post from last week, I saw the video for and heard M. Ward's "Chinese Translation" for the very first time. To say it blew my mind would be an understatement. I immediately ran to Mod Lang and bought the album (BTW - Mod Lang is now about 5 blocks from my house, which is great for my ears and bad for my wallet) and couldn't be more pleased. I highly recommend it.

HAHAHA!

noreply@blogger.com (pop renaissance) — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 16:35:00 +0000

I am off at 2.30p today. And you are not.

It is a damn shame, because I will be drinking and smoking and you won't be there.

More for me, I guess.

This has been a Public Service Announcement.

I like this picture:

Sharing Is Caring

noreply@blogger.com (pop renaissance) — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 17:10:00 +0000

Only you can prevent visions like this - stay off the drugs kids!.

Work is freakin' KILLING ME. Boo fucking hoo and all that. So because I love you and because I'm fucking DROWNING in filing, I'm giving you a very good song today as a token of my affection. A fairly honest reflection of my desires today, here's a link to download Cody Chesnutt's "Smoke And Love".

Cody Chesnutt - "Smoke And Love"

So Tired

noreply@blogger.com (pop renaissance) — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 18:42:00 +0000

I am tired today. I went to bed late. Sue me.

Here is Hope Chest in a photo booth earlier this year.

Tomorrow Night @ 330 Ritch

noreply@blogger.com (pop renaissance) — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 23:30:00 +0000

Tomorrow night Hope Chest goes electronic with a brand spankin' new set of sequenced tunes. All electro-pop from yours truly, so come on out and hear our new songs before they come out and before we play the Headphone Festival. I've no idea how the other 2 bands are, but DJ Steena Lynn spins seriously good indie music (last time we did a gig with her she spun Joy Division right before we went on - total class). A good time is promised, so come out and support local music and our first gig at 330 Ritch!!

...What The...?!?!

noreply@blogger.com (pop renaissance) — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 16:35:00 +0000

MAAAAAAAAAAAAN...what the fuck happened?

mdhatter sent me an mp3 mysteriously titled "Relaxing.mp3", so I played it. Fucking thing was some crazy hypnotizing subliminal message. Next thing I know I'm waking up and it's over 2 months later, I've got this Dennis Wilson / Rip Van Winkle beard, and mdhatter is claiming control of my blog.

Of course you realise this means war.

(P.S. Hope Chest plays 330 Ritch this Tuesday!)

Still Alive

noreply@blogger.com (pop renaissance) — Mon, 12 Jun 2006 20:31:00 +0000

STILL no home computer, so blogging is (obviously) just not happening. Work is really busy and the band is even busier.

We will be on the International Pop Overthrow CD this year with our version of "To Claudia On Thursday", as well as playing the IPO Festival in San Francisco this August.

In a week or so, our computer will be fixed and I will torment you all again.

Don't forget the upcoming gig: Sunday, June 25th - The Makeout Room, S.F. Celebrate the end of gay pride weekend with a band of straights.

Hope Chest Headlining Gig, 6.25.06

noreply@blogger.com (pop renaissance) — Mon, 22 May 2006 19:45:00 +0000

BE THERE.

Slowly But Surely

noreply@blogger.com (pop renaissance) — Wed, 17 May 2006 17:12:00 +0000

...I will be blogging more. I've just been REEEEEEAAAAAAAALLLLLLLYYYYYYYY busy with the band and new tunes, gigs, recordings, etc. But honestly, the way we've been sounding it's all been worth it. Next up:

June 17th - House of Shields, S.F. - Cool Waves SF Fest w/ Venus Beltran and Tomihira
June 25th - Makeout Room, S.F. - Headlining, with Montana and Oceans of Fire

Dave of Venus Beltran will be joining us onstage both shows for some very special covers. The Makeout Room is our first headlining gig in ages so you all had BETTER be there, dressed nicely and nicely drunk.

Home computer is still in a coma, so internet access is patchy at best.

Off for a bath with one of these.

Oh, and Non-Girlfriend: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! YOU'RE ADDICTED NOW, TOO!!!!

Tonight - Studio Z

noreply@blogger.com (pop renaissance) — Tue, 09 May 2006 19:23:00 +0000

Hope Chest, Foxtail Somersault, Venus Beltran, and Sentinel
$3
Studio Z, San Francisco
8p
New Songs
Dave from Astral joins us onstage
The spirits of Syd Barrett and Andrew Eldritch will be there

WE GOT IT!!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (pop renaissance) — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 22:08:00 +0000

These super-duper short notice things NEVER work out. EVER. But apparently I had a karma chip to cash in, cos it's a full-on go.

Friday June 2nd - Cafe Du Nord
Red Lightning (feat. Alain Whyte, Morrissey's guitarist & songwriter) * 1st Bay Area Show!
Hope Chest

Details as they arrive. Time to fucking celebrate.

I am expecting every fucking one of you to be there. Dressed nicely.

Oh yeah: fuck this guy.

Best Blog Post EVARR!!!1!

noreply@blogger.com (pop renaissance) — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 18:20:00 +0000

Seriously - this is genius, and perfect for a Friday. Go there and pay homage.

This is how cats come into the world:

No storks or, even more ridiculous, Mama Cats. Nope, they come from UPS. Almost full grown.

FUCK ME RUNNING - THE GIG IS 90% CONFIRMED

noreply@blogger.com (pop renaissance) — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 23:12:00 +0000

I should know tomorrow if it's a "yes" or "no". And it's lookin' like one big motherfucking "yes".

If you believe in God, pray for me. If you don't, drink for me (that's what you call a "win-win situation").