Chicago peeps, I'm turning to you especially.

I've always been intrigued by this band based on the track or two I've heard.

Any advice on where to start?

I'm toying w/ the idea of taking up concert percussion again (it's been 9 years) and would like to focus on tonal instruments such as the marimba and xylophone since my snare drumming chops have gone to shit and seem to have no intention of coming back.

But back on track, The Coctails... show me the way.

there is something wrong with my brain.

i seriously second guessed if i was right when i said they didn't know how to spell.

good god. i'm just as bad as them. i just didn't want to make myself look like an idiot.

I have Peel and it is an excellent introduction to their rock and roll side. As for their be-bop side, I suggest the compilation The Early Hi Ball Years, which has almost every memorable track. Amazing musicians. Archer Prewitt (who is now also in The Sea and Cake) now resides in my little village, so I'm told...

No prob.
I've got two stories to finish tonight and can't get started on either of them.
It's pathetic.

Congrats on your acceptance to Pratt, btw. That's a big decision, but put the worries aside for a day or so and just enjoy the validation.
Then start hammering on those fucks to give you some money if they want you there so badly.

hey thanks!

it was a relief. i thought i wasn't going to get into any school.
one down, three to go.

what does this band sound like anyways? i'm guessing they come from chicago? i'd like to visit chicago.
i'll look them up to see if i can find some mp3s to download.

Thanks Spade. I had a feeling you'd know what's what.

I saw them live on an end segment of Week In Rock like 10 years ago and they've always stood out as something I need to explore some more.

I'll call my record guy tomorrow and have him order that stuff.
Apreesh.

you have a record guy? that's so cool.

yep yep.

i saw the coctails open for the pixies of all bands back in '04 at the aragon. they were pretty incredible, especially for an opening band that probably only 25% of the crowd had even heard of.

barry phipps is a wedding dj, too. you know, if you need a dj or something.

I didn't mean to overstate things.
It's just that there's only one independent record store in town that's worth a damn (and it's pretty effing good, truth be told), so I come to think of Al @ Wyatt Earp Records & Tapes as "my record guy."
He can get most anything in under a week, usually 2-3 days.

I have always enjoyed
Here! Now! Today! for their bopp-ier stuff.
Plus, as a live band there just weren't any more fun out there.
It was almost like it was choreographed, the way they changed instruments on virtually every song.

Plus, Mark Greenberg used to do the bookings at Lounge Ax when I was playing there. And he was one of the ONLY nice people in that position that I have ever spoken to.

Great band.
Great fun.

They have a children's album out, too.
I believe it's called, simply Songs For Children, if you have need for anything like that.