Moment of silence: R.I.P. Desmond Dekker

Okay, me and Mr. Read went to see him last year at the Knitting Factory and he put on an AMAZING show. There is nothing like watching a room full of skinheads (the good, ska/rocksteady loving kind) sing EVERY single DD song and show an old brotha enough love to bring a tear to my eye. Pay your respects...

REGGAE-PUNK PIONEER DESMOND DEKKER DIES AT 64
DESMOND DEKKER, the Kingston singer whose haunting, strident "Israelites" was the first Jamaican reggae hit to cross over to international success, died May 25th of a heart attack in his Surrey, England, home. He was 64, and was to begin a European tour this week. Born an orphan in Kinston, Jamaica, Dekker passed an audition with the Beverley's record label in 1961 and had a string of regional hits, such as "King of Ska," before reinventing himself as a rebel "rude boy" in 1967. His hits in that vein, including "007 (Shanty Town)" and "Tougher Than Tough," made him a key influence on the SEX PISTOLS and the CLASH. "He had a nice spirit -- very soulful and a very good songwriter," says TOOTS HIBBERT of the MAYTALS, who befriended Dekker while recording in Kingston in the '60s. "He should have gotten a lot more credit, but that's the way it goes sometimes."

This is why I still love Mike Patton

...exhibit A:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1PjWC4jIzdI&search=peeping%20tom

Enjoy.

Lost Season Finale

WTF?!!!!

Can someone please let me know what I just watched? The last 15 seconds have now confused the hell out of me and I don't know if I can wait until the fall for all to be resolved. Oh, and Michael--he is the devil.

I need to try and get my bearings because I'm all messed up.

Goddammit J.J. Abrams and Damon Lindelof...dammit.

6.6.06

Not only is this the date for the release of the new Omen but the National Day of Slayer. I'm not a fan of the band but this is some pretty organized stuff...and I respect that.

You gotta love a non-profit org out of Wyoming asking people to stay home from work and listen to Reign of Blood...ALL DAY. Yeah, that won't fuck you up.

What a lovely human interest story. And really, when you think about it isn't Slayer more important than having a job? Think about it and then make your decision.

http://www.nationaldayofslayer.org/

AIDS Walk 2006...hurts so good

Right now I have to give a big shout out to the lovely folks that donated $2,285 for me to get my walk on. My fools are generous and that warms my black little heart.

I also have to say thanks to my girl Adrienne for having me join the Ubuntu Education Fund team this year...they were a swell bunch of kids to walk with. And we got these kicky little t-shirts to wear. They had some African motif vibe worked out so it was totally click-click-click...I love that stuff.

Another bit of brava goes to Mr. Arthur James Solomon for ditching his Bank of America team to walk with us--make friends along the way--and to make fabulously lewd and lascivious comments in the presence of small children and senior citizens. I love dude.

Even though we were complaining like a bunch of mothers about our feet hurting and the lack of better snacks along the 6.2 mile walk--someone should have slapped us--it was fun. And our team ranked #2 for donations...bow down suckas, cause really, raising money for the AIDS is totally a competition.

Moral of the story, KEEP us near the top or get us to number one and get your generosity on. God won't banish you from his kingdom if you do.

Blessings.

https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=155828&lis=1&kntae155828=13F3241FA25E4CD781DCECA204CD0CBD&supId=124900844

Today is Patti Labelle's Birthday

You need to recognize.

Tool PLUS the introduction of the Darkie Count 2006!

This is my venue to tell you what an awesome time I had at Tool on Saturday night at the City Center but this also my introduction to....

Darkie Count 2006: Reloaded! (Cause reloaded really does tie a room together, right?!)

With Darkie Count I will let you know how many other black folk were in attendence at the various rawk shows I attend. For real, for us negroes this is our way of making sure the Civil Rights moment is still alive cause, come on, Malcolm and Martin parished so we could be one of a handful of colored folks at Bowery Ballroom at anytime. God bless.

On to the show...

Alright, so the City Center is beyond awesome cause it's teeny tiny and our seats were SO good. Unlike at Coachella--where Maynard was a dot--I could see him working out his bizarro choreography and see how MASSIVE Danny Carey (drummer) is. No joke, he is a redwood tree...but bigger.

It was in this magnificant seat where I able to turn around and see Trey Anastasio--and that dude that looks like a monkey--of Phish walk in and go to soundboard and have some Tool fan start screaming, "Dude, it's TREY!", and watch people take out their camera phones for pics and run up for autographs. Um, never knew there was a Tool/Phish crossover crowd but apparently there is. Shit, I like Kelly Clarkson so I don't know why I'm surprised. I bet her and Maynard would get along. For real, I put 5 bucks on it. At this moment I looked to my left and I saw another negress...number 1.

So when the lights went down all of Long/Staten Island went buckwild as the gentlemen launched into "Stinkfist". And yeah, I was amped too...fist in the air and ready to take my top off. Not really but the concept is he-larious all the time. By the end of the song I saw not one but two other darkies...we're up to 3.

Some jackhole leaned over about 45 minutes into the show and asked Mr. Read if he could spread the word that he would buy a "roach" for 20 bucks. And of course I got all maternal and was like oh no...this will NOT be occuring! You know what is funny? Me about to turn 31. Oh, and I thought I saw another blick but she was just blue black Indian...they are crafty that way! We're still at 3.

At this point the set is pretty much exactly like it was at the Coachella but I didn't care cuz I was just happy to be there...and be there with the dude who had never seen the Tool. Yes, it got super romantic during "Sober". Nothing like a song about an abusive relationship to bring a couple together. Shit, the couples in front and behind us thought the same thing...you would have thought we were at a Coldplay show. Tear. I saw a Mexican at this point but not another black...hope my man had his papers in order cause these devils are scared!

Just when there was more rock than I could handle they stopped...sat on the stage...and let us clap for the encore. It was witty. They ended the show with "Aenima" which was just brutal. Again, same as with the Coachella show...but like a fine wine it ages so well. Oh and I was beside myself when I captured a nice pic of Maynard on my cellphone (which is now my wallpaper) I felt like Henri Cartier Bresson dammit! I'm totally 15...

Final summation of the show: Rad
Final Darkie Count: 4 (I caught a dude on the way out...shady!)

My jam of the day!

Spankrock's "Put that Pussy on Me" remix.

Don't be scurred cause this is the shit.

Know what is better? They are opening for Gnarls Barkley tonight at Webster Hall.

I'm going to hurt some feelings. And embarrass my boyfriend.

Two good things that go GREAT together.

Freaks & Geeks: Best.cancelled.show.ever

So this Friday I FINALLY finished all six discs of probably one of the FINEST shows ever to be cancelled...Freaks and Geeks. I know I get amped about a lot of things but seriously kids, all the hipster hype needs to be believed about this show. Jean-yus! Let me give you a breakdown of why I loved this show...

1-The use of Joan Jett's "Bad Reputation" as the theme song. I NEVER skipped that during any of the 18 episodes. Rulz.
2-The "Geeks" really looked and acted like geeks but were totally endearing...the kind of kids I always liked in high school cause I think I was bout 2 steps from being at that table at times.
3-Said "Freaks", same thing. The cute burnouts that never were hurtin' nobody but could scare the shit out of you cause they didn't give a fuck. Also, you know we were ALL friends in like the 3rd grade and then something changed in the 7th grade and clique hell began. Man, I hated junior high. Fuckpit.
4-That being said...all the actors are brilliantly cast and you care about each and everyone of them. My ass got involved.
5-The perfect mix of funny and sad without being retarded. Um, there was an episode where "Bill", one of the "Geeks", is dealing with his mom dating his gym teacher (already comedy gold). There are many levels of brilliance involved in that such as when--and this is so subtle--he asks his mom if she is going start "dancing" again cause her waitress job isn't paying enough. And when "Bill" and the gym teacher have a conversation about him dating his mom and "Bill's" reaction is IT. It goes from anger to sadness in two seconds--and when "Bill" starts to cry it's truly heartbreaking. I scared myself as I sat on my blackberry aphrodite couch with my eyes welling up. The power of television is profound.
6-There is NOTHING better than debating on whether to go to sleep or just watch ONE more episode. Totally LOST season 1 DVD.
7-James Franco is hot ("Daniel"). And Jason Segel ("Nick") is just super cute.
8-The dude that plays the guidence counselor slays me.
9-Linda Cardellini as "Lindsey Weir". She can do no better...I don't care what her mama or agent says.

Now I don't expect y'all to listen to me at all times but please, just this one time, please go to Netflix and put the whole season on your queue. Not one disc, ALL six. You will be pissed at yourself if you don't. And for real, I ain't got neither the time nor the energy to deal with your foolishness. It gives me cramps.

Your friend,
Erika

Heartwarming way to end the week

Um, please go to the link below and try not to get all sappy like I did when I watched the report on CNN this morning. For real, I might not feel the need to pop every teenager in the mouth after this. One long and solitary tear...

And yes, I have been slacking...I will be back in the game soon, I promise. 'Specially after I see TOOL TOMORROW NIGHT! RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Blessings y'all. (That was for you Artie.)

http://www.ksl.com/?sid=269083&nid=148

America's Next Top Model: They have redeemed themselves

Okay, after having that wreck of a girl, Nicole, win last year I was ready to have ANTM suck my dick but they seen the light and finally decided that the BEST GIRL EVER would win--and that girl was Danielle!

Danielle was, is and always will be the NICEST girl they have ever had on my beloved dog and pony show and resulting in that my heart filled with such job when she won last week. The reason it took me so long to post about this was because I JUST stopped tearing up about it. Sniffle, sniffle, sigh...

There is nothing like a tall ol' black girl that has been taking care of her mama with rhumatoid arthritis--who had a gap in her teef a la Lauren Hutton-- climb to the top of the crippling insecure model heap and grab that flag. Oh lord, here I go again getting all emotional. Miss Danielle never let the drama get to her and always acted a lady when she should have slapped Jade every other minute for just existing. (I don't even have the strength to type about that woman...hot mess and a half. And yes Jade, you are arrogant, don't listen to your parents when they tell you it's just "confidence". They say that cause they supposedly love you.) I always felt that I would have been cool with Joanie winning but then about 15 minutes before the finale was over I was like oh no, sweet Jesus you have to let my girl win...and my prayers were answered. Reason #48 of why I might need to go to church again.

Moral of the story: Dreams do come true and as my dear friend Adrienne said, "When Danielle won it was like I had won America's Next Top Model." Actually Adrienne is was like we ALL won.

God bless America.

Best blog address ever!

Once in a negroid moon throw down the "n" word when I'm feeling extra militant but it really is not cute, not cute at all. Until now...

http://www.niggaknowtechnology.com/

As Whitney said to her crack dealer last MLK day, "It's not right, but it's okay".

Thanks for the find Vanessa K.!

Star Jones...um...Reynolds: High on her own supply

For real, at this point isn't God laughing at SJR for her rainbow flag marriage? I'll give old girl credit, it takes a lot of GAUL to be a love coach--knowing damn well she needs to be working some shit out in therapy. I mean, I, eh...just watch and choice your own adventure. JBlack...nice find.

http://content.living.aol.com/coaches/love/starjones/sabotage

Mike Patton: Oh, you make me so happy

http://www.ipecac.com/bio.php?id=44

Lost: That sumofabitch is on fire

I'm not going to get all spoiler on you but I just have to say LOST is back with a vengence! Man, if I knew it was going to be such a good week I wouldn't have waited until Saturday to watch it. After weeks of blue labia-ing me that show is showing fools how it is done! Wut?! Wut?!

Okay...wait a second I have to spoil. Here is the alert.

So after weeks of that damn show coming on-then being off-then coming on again and not giving me insight on Walt and the Others I was not happy. Now I'm not mad. Um, Michael shooting Ana Lucia and Libby--then himself in the arm--with no warning was INSANE! I was sitting alone, eating some raisin bran, and bam! My ass jumped and I screamed, "What the fuck?! Are you kidding me?!" I know neighbors think I'm insane but I had to let it out.

Moral of the story: That brotha is going to eff things up. Game on.

Bad information: This is why our children are dumber than the Japenese?

http://www.nypost.com/gossip/pagesix/65687.htm

If you are going to try and be cute and educate the 18 people in NY that don't know what a "donkey punch" is get it right. It's the back of the head, not the face. Who do I write a letter to? Shoot.

Is BET not even sacred?!

Ohmigod, this crazy sonofabitch is trying to drag negroes into his cult! This is some subversive shit. Can someone please call the Nation?! Louis F. he is on YOUR turf my brother...

http://www.thesuperficial.com/archives/2006/05/05/tom_cruise_is_a_dancing_maniac.html
Check out his MI3 co-star Michelle Monaghan on the left--look at that laugh of fear--she is mortified. And so am I.

Sidenote: Hate to admit it, the trailer for MI3 looks kinda hot. Damn you Tom Cruisazy...damn you.

Cinco de Mayo can go to hell

Why? Cause today was the day Radiohead tickets went on sale and I got shut out. My ass got tickets for the Pixies for THREE DAYS, which I think was WAY harder, via the TM, and look at this bullshit. You know what I blame? All this immigration reform madness. I'm totally having someone deported today.

I need a margarita.

Vincent Gallo: The Ultimate Jackhole

Why the Lord lets him wake up each morning will always baffle me.

He needs to be donkey punched.

http://www.gridskipper.com/travel/new-york/vincent-gallos-500-tshirt-171557.php

Blog Alert: Dirty Old Prom Queen

Please check out this post about a cragy ass squirrel...so he-larious. Brava, brava...

http://dirtyoldpromqueen.blogspot.com/2006/05/sounds-of-screaming.html

Radiohead

Um, okay. Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday for two shows at The Theater @ MSG...it will be sad if I don't get them. Like really sad. For real, when I saw them at Radio City Music Hall on the OK Computer tour tears welled up in me wee eyes it was that good--and I'm a sucker for a dude with a lazy cornea.

At least I have a pretty dope cover of "Just" to keep me warm. It's a Mark Ronson* thang featuring Alex Greenwald from Phantom Planet. Yeah, I might be late on this but I don't give a fuck--because I'm all angry like that.

Enjoy and muah!
http://www.rapsterrecords.com/data.pl?release=RR0047CD&info=more

*I've had beef with son since he allegedly cheated off my linguistics test at the NYU back in the day. But this is fresh so I'm not mad no more. And yes, I think I just dropped a name and might have stubbed my toe. Ouch.

Coachella 2006: Reloaded

Okay, I actually, gasp, have shit to do right now but I had to give just a QUICK rundown of the 'chella.

The Event*:

The Good
*I love Maynard. I love Tool. I'm so glad they are back. I lost my shit during the set. My inner angry white boy was pleased.
*Depeche Mode doing "Personal Jesus" in the desert. Bitch, that is called sublime. And Dave Gahan--that 76 year old ex junkie son of gun is still on fire. I would totally rock an co-dependent relationship with him. Sigh.
*Massive Attack. Is there a reason why NO one is mentioning that Elizabeth Fraser of the most ethereal band of all time, The Cocteau Twins, performed "Teardrop" WITH the Massive Attack. There. Live? People Elizabeth Fraser of the THE GODDAMN COCTEAU TWINS! For real, I had to have my friend Chris stop talking to me so I could focus. I love her. The only thing that would have taken me completely over the edge is if Tracy Thorn had shown up to do "Protection". This was totally tits.
*Amadou & Mariam. Blind Africans know how to get their boom shake click-click on. And dammit if white kids don't love that. David Byrne would have been proud.
*Daft Punk had me getting my dance on. French dudes dressed as robots is what life is about. America, the terrorists have not won.
*Ted Leo & The Pharmacists=Erika & The Happy. Never saw them before. Heard great shit about the live performances. My expectations were fulfilled.
*Gnarls Barkley. Just fun. I love roly poly Cee-Lo. And yeah, a Violent Femmes cover ("Gone Daddy Gone") in 2006 is kinda cute.
*Madonna. That trick came on 20 minute late (Jackhole, we in the desert, it's hot...with the amount of "bears" out there for MissTang she knows that is NOT right) and played 6 damn songs but...she KILLED it. I'm not mad.
*Wolfmother. They have thrown down the hammer of the gods. Feel free to sound just like Sabbath and Zeppelin if you are going to be bring it live. It was brought.
*Damien Marley. Your daddy would be proud. Oh and having a guy twirl a Jamaican flag for a full 50 minute set--and that be his ONLY job--is jahtastic!
*Lady Sovereign. This lil' hussy had flow--and was about to start a beef with a girl in the crowd. Lub that. Um, I was ALL about hearing "Random". I got "Random" and I was stoked. It also was fresh that my girl Liane got me a lemonade slushie to rock during her set. That totally took it to about 9.
*Eagles of Death Metal. You know what is cool? That Josh Homme was hometown bound and actually drummed for the live show. Even cooler? The Samantha Maloney--she drummed on the last tour I saw--was there too. Duel drummers. RAWK!
*Did I mention how rad Tool was? Oh let me do it again. THE GOODNESS. And let me tell you they closed the set with Aenima. Tear. I need to go shiver in a corner cause I know that I can't get that moment back.

The Bad & The Ugly
*There were TOO many people there this year. Shit was hectic. There was one point where I was standing on the bleachers during the Marley set, turned away from the stage, and just saw a sea of heads, not a patch of grass to be seen. Thank you lord for letting me not have a fear of crowds. Oh and the crowd was kind beat this year. More rude people and sweaty dudes that had no business being THAT drunk and topless. Don't come back next year, thanks. Yep, I said it and I don't give a fuck.


*Getting off the polo field was a goddamn NIGHTMARE. They have one, count em, one exit for about 1 billion people to get out and it was not cute. See, I can deal with being pressed up with dank people after a full day of being stank but guess what? That shit is a firehazard. Just let a melee bust out and this it will be fugly. Like junkies at an "all you can base" buffet fugly. Someone needs to look into that. Oh, and by the way when you have big ballons up to let people know where their cars are DON'T take them before the masses have left. Jackholes. Anyways, I still love this game!

The Condo:

*Same spot, different heads. Still fierce. I love the La Quinta Resort. Gotta give a shout out to my co-organizer Shari "Drop and Get Your Eagle On" Scorca and the awesome occupants this year: Lawrence, Liane, Chris, Inga, Jeff, Suzie and Shaun. We were on fire. What was even more on fire...
*Grilling in the desert and having vodka cocktails while preparing for the rawk is how you live life. Don't be jealous, it makes you look bloated. Oh yeah, and then we went into the hot tub. It gets chilly at night folks.
*Being cute in the pool with good people and getting all African refugee black is a good weekend for me. Having Babyface come out to the pool where we were congregating to say hey to his ladies friend gives you an idea of how gangsta it really got.

The Aftermath:

*Going to Denny's on the drive to LAX and rocking not only a Grand Slam breakfast but sharing mini-cheeseburgers with the kids brought me some Anita Baker joy.
*Seeing that the Strokes had to fly economy on my flight back (they were all Rosa Parked) really tell you how ridiculous these gas prices have gotten. See when rock stars have to cut back you realize we need to really explore alternative resources of energy.
*Hulk Hogan being outside the baggage claim area of JFK at 12:50 am...for real, it was time to go home.

See ya next year!

Your friend,
Erika

*If you want to check out some lovely pics and other (not as fabulous but pretty good) recaps go here:
http://www.calendarlive.com/events/

http://www.thedesertsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=events17