The Rundown
Over the years, there have been many books dedicated to marijuana. Now, authors Shirley Halperin and Steve Bloom have created the definitive guide to this infamous plant and the subculture it has created with their book “Pot Culture: The A-Z Guide to Stoner Language & Life.” One may ask, “What does this have to do with music?” Marijuana and music have walked hand-in-hand for decades (if not centuries) as found in this excellent book.
In its “A-Z” section, readers are provided tales of Louis Armstrong’s bust as well as his songs dedicated to the herb. A spread detailing how marijuana influenced The Beatles, The Doors, Bob Marley and their music is also included.
This book misses very little of the culture and even provides vinyl and songs in order to soundtrack your experience. Many modern musicians lend their knowledge and opinions to this book. Rob Thomas explains how to score at a concert, and Fall Out Boy’s Joe Trohman gives lessons on how to score on the road. Even “American Idol” heartthrob Bo Bice provides his “Greatest Smoking Songs.”
The concentration on music is just the tip of the iceberg with this book, and it provides an excellent, intelligent explanation of the subculture. This underground masterpiece is due out on April 20 (of course). If you’d like to know why that date is significant, then pick up a copy.
Deluxe Leisure King has just finished putting the final touches on their soon to be released album. The public should be able to get their grubby little hands on it in late spring or early summer. Meanwhile, DLK is still garnishing attention overseas with their music.
”’Wanna Girl (Like That)’ has been getting some airplay in Australia and Spain,” explains guitarist Seth Cherniak. “There it is with the Spaniards again. They’re kooky for the jangle.” First Act guitars is also showing some guitar love to the Deluxe Leisure Kings through the company’s “First Act Emerging Artists” program. With their new album on the brink of release, it’s safe to say that the world will be hearing a lot more of DLK in the very near future.
The Garage is considered by many to be one of LoDa’s most famous watering holes. Starting in April, The Garage will feature live music on Saturday nights. However, The Garage is doing something that has is unprecedented as far as live music in LoDa goes.
“The shows are going to be from 8 pm-12 am,” says Garage employee Stoney Boatman. “This way, we can try and target the crowd of young parents. They can go out, have dinner and hear some good music and still be home by midnight to send the babysitter home.”
Boatman says that they will be bringing in bands from Mobile as well as all over the Southeast. Depending on the success of these “early” shows, LoDa might see a new trend in live music in LoDa.
Stephen Centanni is Lagniappe music editor. Contact him at scentanni@lagniappemobile.com.
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