COLUMNS

Chris - Sunday 3rd September 2000 - 4.59pm

Once again it has been a while since I've bothered to write anything for this section. Is there anything really that important to talk about though? The answer to that question is automatically no for me as I have received no comments, suggestions or contributions for this section, yet straight after I have that thought I think "yes, it is important". Every day I have thoughts about things that are happening to me, things that are going on with my friends, events in the world.. every night I have ridiculous dreams about all this stuff. I haven't had a good night's sleep in several weeks now. It is the same every night - I climb into bed hopefully thinking that I am tired and all that it will take to send me into the land of slumber is to put my head on the pillow and think of something nice (what it was last night is seeing someone beautiful at the peel all-dayer but that's another story altogether). But that doesn't seem to work. I twist and turn all night long, my two pillows being the recipient of some battering and still some comfort, dreams invading me and I strangely enjoy them in some sick way. These dreams are not right, mini-movies in themselves. I think that if my waking life was so entertaining that I would be a happy man indeed.

Things have been happening. I went to Florida for the last two Discount shows for a start. This was a great experience even though the Vero Beach show was not up to expectations and can be put down as the worst Discount show I have seen. Happily, the Gainesville show one night later can be considered close to the best. I keep meaning to write something about the few days I was there but who knows if I'll ever get round to it.

Music news - the 'tone have a new drummer at last!!! Well, temporarily at least. Scott Stewart who played bass in Broccoli after the departure of Benni Esposito, and who plays guitar in the amazing Dead Inside, is the new drummer for the 'tone. He'll be doing the tour of Japan and hopefully a one-off London date on October 27th. The band is still looking for a permanent drummer however so get in touch if you think you fit the bill. Dogpiss claim to be writing a new album - who knows what's true as far as they're concerned - especially as far as the line-up is concerned. Great to hear anyway.

Lots of good stuff coming up including the releases of Jets To Brazil's and Southport's new albums and the European Collective show in Milton Keynes in October. Lots of great bands playing at this one including Steve Ignorant with a band including Bob from the 'tone on bass (allegedly)!

Bands I recommend at this moment in time - Dismemberment Plan, Lawrence Arms, Discount, Palatka, Strikeforce Diablo, Charles Bronson, The Honor System, the 'tone.

--- Chris