draconian measures

Embarrassment of Riches remaster now available for pre-order

2012-01-16T16:36:00.000-06:00

The official release date for Malcontent's Embarrassment of Riches remaster with bonus material is March 20th, but you may now pre-order it from Bandcamp!

Pre-ordering gives you instant access to one of the tracks, and once the record is released in March, you'll automatically be emailed a link to download the full EP at that time.

Get your copy today! After the album launches, you may also purchase it via iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, MediaNet, eMusic, Zune, Rhapsody, Nokia, and VerveLife.

Throw the Lions to the Christians remaster now available for pre-order

2012-01-16T15:22:00.001-06:00

The official release date for the Throw the Lions to the Christians remaster with bonus tracks is March 6th, but you may now pre-order it from Bandcamp! Pre-ordering gives you instant access to two of the tracks, and once the record is released in early March, you'll automatically be emailed a link to download the full album at that time.

Get your copy today! After the album launches, you may also purchase it via iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, MediaNet, eMusic, Zune, Rhapsody, Nokia, and VerveLife.

Nine poems in The Yellow Ham

2012-01-10T12:29:00.001-06:00

I may still be writing 2011 on my checks (yes, I still write some), but with 2012 fully underway I'm very pleased to announce I have nine (!) poems from my Basic Cable Couplets project in the debut issue of The Yellow Ham. Enjoy!

Three poems in Clapboard House

2011-12-30T13:47:00.001-06:00

I'm very pleased to end 2011 with three poems in the latest edition of Clapboard House! Check 'em out! And happy new year to one and all!

New poems in latest issue of blue & yellow dog

2011-12-21T12:04:00.000-06:00

I've got four poems from my Basic Cable Couplets manuscript in the most recent issue of blue & yellow dog.

Embarrassment of Riches re-release (remaster with bonus material)

2011-12-21T11:52:00.000-06:00

Two weeks after the release of the remastered/re-sequenced Throw the Lions to the Christians, Zenith Beast will reissue Malcontent's Embarrassment of Riches EP, with an extra track! It too has been beautifully remastered (by the amazing Wally Sound). Date of availability is March 20th. Here's the event announcement.

Throw the Lions to the Christians re-release (remaster with bonus material)

2011-12-21T11:44:00.000-06:00

Zenith Beast will be releasing my fifth solo album, Throw the Lions to the Christians on March 6th. It has been remastered, with its originally-intended sequence restored, including two never-before-heard tracks. Here's a link to the label's event announcing the release.

Vagabondage Press Interview With Yours Truly

2011-11-27T11:09:00.001-06:00

Thanks to Fawn Neun at Vagabondage Press for this interview, which went live today.

Live at Gallery West Espresso

2011-11-23T17:37:00.001-06:00

Latest release from Zenith Beast Records is this reading during my 2004 book tour for Identity Theft for Dummies.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://zenithbeast.bandcamp.com/album/live-at-gallery-west-espresso"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Live at Gallery West Espresso by Larry O. Dean&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Eight Poems in Battered Suitcase

2011-11-07T18:21:00.000-06:00

Eight poems from my Basic Cable Couplets manuscript recently appeared in the final (!) issue of The Battered Suitcase. Check 'em out!

"American Comfort" live

2011-11-07T18:13:00.000-06:00

Video of The Injured Parties performing "American Comfort" November 4th on The Razor and Die Show on WLUW 88.7 FM in Chicago.

Poem in Hamilton Stone Review

2011-10-18T18:51:00.000-05:00

Check out my poem, "Breakfast at Bliss" in the latest issue (#25) of Hamilton Stone Review!

The Injured Parties, "For Your Protection"

2011-10-07T16:24:00.000-05:00

Chop House Demos

2011-08-26T18:10:00.000-05:00

Prior to recording Fun with a Purpose, The Injured Parties tracked demos for about half the album (and an alternate take of "King of Close Enough," from my Sir Slob album) at the fabled Chop House. Those rather polished efforts are now available for download:

&amp;lt;a href="http://theinjuredparties.bandcamp.com/album/chop-house-demos"&amp;gt;Chop House Demos by The Injured Parties&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

Two singles now available via Bandcamp

2011-08-24T12:46:00.000-05:00

The singles, "Frosted Flakes" and "Thorn in My Side" are now available to preview and/or download from Bandcamp!

LOD demos

2011-08-21T15:21:00.001-05:00

Demo versions of songs recorded by LOD, Malcontent, and Post Office are available here:

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://larryodean.bandcamp.com/album/demos-of-the-mind"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Demos of the Mind by Larry O. Dean&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Embarrassment of Riches review

2011-08-18T12:49:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Dingus magazine for this review of Malcontent's Embarrassment of Riches remaster/reissue.

Second Fussbudgets remaster now available

2011-08-14T20:30:00.003-05:00

Download now!

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://thefussbudgets.bandcamp.com/album/the-naked-the-daft"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;The Naked &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; the Daft by The Fussbudgets&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

New poem!

2011-08-13T14:57:00.002-05:00

A new poem of mine appears today in Magnolia's Press (MP). Hope you like!

Fussbudgets remastered debut now available to download!

2011-08-12T13:35:00.002-05:00

Continuing with archival remastered releases, here's The Fussbudgets' debut, Hog Wash! Enjoy!

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://thefussbudgets.bandcamp.com/album/hog-wash"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Hog Wash! by The Fussbudgets&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Remastered Malcontent EP now available for download!

2011-08-11T16:15:00.002-05:00

I was recently in California on a working vacation. Part of the time was (well) spent working with engineer and bon vivant Wally Sound on remasters of two full-length releases by The Fussbudgets, and Malcontent's Embarrassment of Riches EP (see below).

Plans are in the works for hard copy versions of the above, as well as further remastering/remixing of additional material from the Dean archives. In the meanwhile, check out Malcontent, and hope you enjoy!

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://malcontentsf.bandcamp.com/album/embarrassment-of-riches"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Embarrassment of Riches by Malcontent&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Now Available: abbrev!

2011-06-28T10:07:00.001-05:00

My latest chapbook, abbrev, is now available as a free download from Beard of Bees.

Check it out!

Scott Miller & Robert Forster Review

2011-06-23T16:22:00.000-05:00

For many years I wrote music reviews for Option magazine. But like many fine print periodicals in these times of dwindling subscriptions, book stores and newsstands, it went under at one point. Recently, however, it returned as an online entity, and is doing better than ever in its current incarnation.

I'm happy to report that I have a twofer review up now of Robert Forster's The 10 Rules of Rock and Roll and Scott Miller's Music: What Happened? Check it out! Hopefully I'll be doing more writing for Option down the road.

Michael Heffernan Review

2011-06-14T12:16:00.000-05:00

Check out my review of Michael Heffernan's At the Bureau of Divine Music, in the latest New Pages.

Salmon Poetry to publish Brief Nudity

2011-06-09T10:38:00.000-05:00

I'm very excited to announce that Salmon Poetry will be publishing my full-length collection, Brief Nudity in early 2013!

First Friday Reading in July

2011-06-09T10:02:00.000-05:00

I'll be reading with co-poets Jason Bredle, Stevie Edwards, and Erika L. Sánchez on Friday, July 1st at Saint Paul's Cultural Center, 2215 W. North Avenue, starting at 7 PM.

This ought to be an amazing event! Please come on out if you can.

Workers' Comp. Facebook Page

2011-06-08T13:44:00.000-05:00

There is now a Workers' Comp. page on Facebook. Check it out, 'like' and recommend it if you are so inclined, with thanks again for doing so.

Identity Theft for Dummies Facebook page & Goodreads pages

2011-05-26T13:27:00.001-05:00

Please 'like' and/or suggest the new Identity Theft for Dummies Facebook page.

Also peruse other book from the Zenith Beast back catalog recently added to Goodreads, starting with the above title; also Workers' Comp.; Libby Brahms' First Washing Machine; Eyes, Ears, Nose & Throat; Barking up the Wrong Tree; QWERTYUIOP; Flint; and Rate of Exchange. Add your reviews, recommend, or otherwise share these books at will, with thanks in advance for doing so!

And if you're interested in purchasing any of these titles, let me know since many are not available via Amazon or through other outlets.

New Facebook Pages

2011-05-16T13:30:00.001-05:00

There are two new Facebook pages regarding two of my books: About the Author (Mindmade Books 2011) and I Am Spam (Fractal Edge Press 2004). Please 'like' them, if indeed you do! Thanks in advance for your support.

Last week at Solomon!

2011-05-13T11:46:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I taught my final classes of the year for my residency at Solomon. Check out the amazing class poems created as variations on the exquisite corpse technique. Enjoy!

Come Again?

2011-05-10T16:52:00.000-05:00

Last week at Solomon, we read Philip Larkin's "Coming" and students wrote poems on the general theme of seasons.

Back in March, Pilgrim students also wrote on this idea.

Check 'em out!

New poem published!

2011-05-10T09:06:00.000-05:00

Check out my poem, "A Contestant," in the latest issue of InDigest!

Stanley Kunitz, "The Layers"

2011-05-09T12:45:00.000-05:00

Last week was my final class at Pilgrim. Check out the class poem created to wrap up the year, as well as more on the last poem we read and discussed, Stanley Kunitz's "The Layers."

Regina Barreca's "Nighttime Fires"

2011-05-04T11:11:00.000-05:00

One of the perks of anguishing over choosing a new textbook is the unexpected ways in which it comes to good use. For my World of Poetry class this past semester at Northeastern Illinois University, I picked Michael Meyer's Poetry: An Introduction. I had vetted it pretty well in advance of the class' start, and liked Meyer's blend of less "greatest hits" poems and poets, and more contemporary and unexpected choices, but it wasn't until the class got underway that I realized what a good choice it was. My students certainly seemed to like it, and from my own perspective I found it to be easily written and packed with far more interesting work than we could hope to examine in a mere semester.

I also discovered -- and in some instances, was given fresh perspectives on -- many poets and poems, and a few of those (re)discoveries affected my Hands on Stanzas lesson plans for the year. One in particular was the focus of my classes last week, Regina Barreca's "Nighttime Fires," a really incredible poem. I know very little about Barreca, but this certainly made an impression on me. (Students too.)

To read the poem, check out these posts regarding student work at Pilgrim and Solomon schools. Enjoy!

Injured Parties Live review

2011-04-25T00:47:00.000-05:00

Nice review of The Injured Parties (and others) live at the International Pop Overthrow festival last weekend in Chicago.

Thanks, SouthSide on the Town!

Hands on Stanzas Spring Break Catch-up

2011-04-25T00:38:00.000-05:00

As spring break winds up, and the semester nears its end, here's a few bits regarding my Hands on Stanzas residencies.

Last week, 4th and 5th grade students at Pilgrim read and responded to June Jordan's "Notes on the Peanut." Solomon's 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders tackled the same poem a bit earlier.

The week before that, Pilgrim and Solomon students read John Ciardi's "The Catalpa" and wrote poems on a general nature theme.

As a bonus, three of my students from Solomon were featured last week on Chicago Publishes: Amy, May, and Natalie.

Congrats to everyone on such remarkable work!

About the Author Launched at The Cafe

2011-04-14T08:45:00.000-05:00

Here is a link to a video of the premiere of About the Author, from Tuesday's reading at The Cafe.

About the Author National Poetry Month Readings

2011-04-12T01:27:00.000-05:00

Beginning tomorrow night, I will be appearing at a number of venues this month in support of my latest book, About the Author.

April 12th, I'll be the featured reader at The Cafe, 5115 N. Lincoln. There's an open mic along with the feature. Everything starts at 8:30 PM.

April 20th, I'll be taking part in Local Poet Night at The Book Cellar, 4736-38 N. Lincoln. 7 PM.

April 26th, I'll read a few poems in celebration of Logan Square Literary Review's latest issue at Cole's, 2338 N. Milwaukee, beginning at 7 PM.

Last, but not least, I'll be reading at Quimby's, 1854 W. North Avenue, April 29th at 7 PM.

Hope you can make it out to one (or more) of these festivities!

Oppen's "The Building of the Skyscraper"

2011-04-12T01:10:00.000-05:00

George Oppen's "The Building of the Skyscraper" was the focus of my residencies last week. Read all about it, and peruse student work from Pilgrim and Solomon. Hope you enjoy!

June Jordan's Unlowly "Peanut"

2011-04-05T19:47:00.000-05:00

At Solomon Elementary last week, we read June Jordan's hilarious "Notes on the Peanut," and students responded with their own hyperbolic poems.

WCW's "Poem"

2011-03-25T15:24:00.000-05:00

This week, Pilgrim and Solomon students learned more about stanza breaks and lineation by reading William Carlos Williams' sublime "Poem." Afterward, they wrote their own movement poems, closely modeled on Williams. Check 'em out!

Philip Larkin's "Coming"

2011-03-21T09:54:00.001-05:00

Last week, during my residency at Pilgrim school, 4th and 5th graders read and discussed Philip Larkin's poem, "Coming," and wrote seasonal poems in response. Check them out here.

Kate Daniels review

2011-03-16T10:21:00.000-05:00

Check out my review of Kate Daniels' latest book, A Walk in Victoria's Secret in this month's New Pages!

Sylvia Plath's "Mirror"

2011-03-14T11:40:00.000-05:00

My most recent residencies focused on Sylvia Plath's amazing poem, "Mirror," where we continued our previous conversation regarding personification and apostrophe. Please read some of the terrific work from students at Pilgrim and Solomon schools. Hope you enjoy!

De-coding Lee

2011-03-02T09:22:00.000-06:00

Last week in my residencies we read Li-Young Lee's "Falling: The Code," a poem that can be approached a number of ways. Since we hadn't yet focused on onomatopoeia, I asked my students to write poems using sound-words.

Here is work by 4th and 5th graders at Pilgrim, and 3rd, 4th and 5th graders at Solomon. Enjoy!

Lee's work is being celebrated this year by all the Hands on Stanzas poets-in-residence, so check out other lessons developed around his poetry. Scroll down for all things Lee, as well as the amazing work being done around other poets by my teaching artist peers in this program.

About the Author out now!

2011-03-02T08:53:00.000-06:00

One of two new releases from me this spring is now available from Mindmade Books, About the Author. Order your copy today!

Wendell Berry's "How to Be a Poet"

2011-02-21T11:38:00.000-06:00

Last week in my residencies, we read Wendell Berry's "how to" poem and students responded with their own efforts. Check out work by 4th and 5th graders at Pilgrim (a brand new classroom for me), as well as 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders at Solomon. Hope you enjoy!

Poem in Dinosaur Bees

2011-02-15T13:11:00.000-06:00

Check out my poem, "The Sound Effects Bible" in the latest issue of Dinosaur Bees!

Injured Parties residency continues

2011-02-13T20:31:00.000-06:00

The Injured Parties are back at The Horseshoe for our residency March 5th. Here's the poster:

Hope to see you there!

"Lutherans" reading at AWP

2011-02-12T13:36:00.000-06:00

Video of my reading of "Lutherans" during AWP.

About the Author available soon

2011-02-12T13:30:00.000-06:00

Mindmade Books has announced the roster for its fifteenth year of publishing, leading off with About the Author in March. Order now, with my thanks in advance for doing so!

If anyone is interested in reviewing it, please contact Mindmade Books directly.

AWP Reading

2011-01-31T10:42:00.001-06:00

I'm pleased as punch to be reading during AWP -- all threats of paralytic blizzarding aside -- this Friday, February 4th, at 8 PM, celebrating Salmon Poetry's 30th Anniversary and the publication of Dogs Singing.

Hope to see you at this gala event! Wear galoshes.

New Poem in dispatch litareview

2011-01-29T18:51:00.000-06:00

I have a new poem -- actually an excerpt from a longer poem, "Heart's Desire" -- in the latest issue of dispatch litareview (3.1), which is available as a free download.

Check it out, and hope you enjoy!

"Inside Out"

2011-01-26T10:47:00.000-06:00

Last week my elementary students read Diane Wakoski's "Inside Out" and wrote their own 'inside' poems.

Peruse work from Pilgrim and Solomon students at each school's blog.

Hope you enjoy!

About the Author

2011-01-21T10:18:00.001-06:00

2011 is shaping up to be a banner year for LOD book releases. In March, Mindmade Books will publish my chapbook, About the Author; and at a date TBD, Beard of Bees will publish my e-chap, abbrev. I am also hoping to have my full-length collection, Brief Nudity out this year as well.

I will let everyone know when these titles are officially available.

I am also working on setting up a series of readings supporting all these publications. Later this month, I'll be returning to Woodland Pattern Book Center in Milwaukee to read at their 17th Annual Poetry Marathon & Benefit, and in April I will be featuring at the long-running series at The Cafe. As more dates are confirmed, I will pass on that information.

This is a very busy yet exciting time for me. I hope you can make it out to some of these events, and of course I hope you pick up all these forthcoming titles as they are published.

Thanks for your support!

"Linda Fiorentino"

2011-01-19T08:32:00.001-06:00

The second of two recent Zenith Beast single releases is now available on iTunes: an early version of my ode to kick-ass actress, "Linda Fiorentino." Credits for this take match those for the "If You're Gonna Break My Heart" single, below.

Hope you enjoy!

And This Just In...

2011-01-16T20:17:00.000-06:00

Last week my public school students read a poem by journalist David Tucker and were asked to write about silence. Please peruse these terrific responses by Pilgrim and Solomon elementary-schoolers, and hope you enjoy!

"If You're Gonna Break My Heart"

2011-01-10T09:25:00.000-06:00

Before The Injured Parties became a full-time concern, I recorded an early interpretation of this song, which appeared in a slightly different version on the IPs' debut, Fun with a Purpose.

The original take is now available on iTunes. It features backing vocals by the late, and extremely talented Stephanie Morris, Fussbudgets and Malcontent bassist Ned Doherty, and Me Decade and sometime Folk You! cohort, Derek Walvoord on viola.

Check it out -- hope you enjoy!

Vulgar Boatmen Show and Documentary

2011-01-05T11:55:00.000-06:00

My band, The Injured Parties is excited to be opening for The Vulgar Boatmen this weekend at Schubas. (Here's a nice preview from the Reader, and our poster, left.)

This special show includes a screening of Drive Somewhere: The Ballad of The Vulgar Boatmen, a movie about the band's successes and travails, which shouldn't be missed.

It's recommended that tickets be purchased in advance, which you can do here.

Hope to see you there!

Folk You! Facebook Page

2011-01-05T11:38:00.000-06:00

I have finally created a Facebook page for my long-running (10 years come December!) songwriter showcase. Please like it, if indeed you do.

"Coda" to Coda

2011-01-04T17:32:00.001-06:00

My first class back after the break was today at Pilgrim. Here are 5th and 6th grade students' music poems, inspired by Basil Bunting's "Coda" (with a nod to Paul Auster).

Alex Chilton Birthday Bash and Radio One

2010-12-23T11:57:00.001-06:00

I'll be appearing tonight at 7:30 (CST) on WLUW 88.7 FM's Radio One program, promoting the 6th Annual Alex Chilton Birthday Bash next week at The Empty Bottle. (Here are blurbs about the bash from the Reader, Flavorpill, and Time Out.) Admission to the bash is free if you send an email to RSVP@emptybottle.com with 'chilton' in the subject line. (Note that All RSVPs must be received by midnight the day before the event in question. All RSVPs honored will receive an “All set!” response. If you haven’t received an “All set!” response email, you are NOT on the RSVP list. Feel free to bring your confirmation response to the door. All RSVPs must be received individually and all emails should have the night’s show in the subject line and attendees full name in the email body.)

You can listen to WLUW's feed via the web. Hope to see you at the bash on Tuesday!

Basil Bunting's "Coda"

2010-12-13T10:56:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite poetry ideas is my own variation on the music poem. Click here to read all about it, and to peruse the last student poems of the year from my Solomon residency, inspired by Basil Bunting's "Coda."

Ron Padgett's "Morning"

2010-12-08T10:18:00.000-06:00

For the sixth week of my residency I had students read Ron Padgett's poem, "Morning." There were some amazing (and deep) discussions over this poem, and some great student responses in their own poems.

Read more about Pilgrim and Solomon at the blog for each school.

Hope you enjoy! These are the last posts until January.

Poem of the Week

2010-11-30T14:19:00.000-06:00

Yesterday my poem, "Lutherans" was Poem of the Week at Salmon Poetry! "Lutherans" also appears in Dogs Singing, Salmon's just-published anthology of canine poems.

Schwartz at Pilgrim

2010-11-30T14:10:00.000-06:00

Today I was back at Pilgrim after the Thanksgiving break. Here are the 5th and 6th graders' poems inspired by Delmore Schwartz's "The Foggy, Foggy Blue."

Zenith Beast page on Facebook

2010-11-30T13:01:00.001-06:00

Continuing my Facebook onslaught, Zenith Beast now has its own page as well. Please like if you do!

"The Foggy, Foggy Blue"

2010-11-19T15:54:00.000-06:00

This week at Solomon Elementary, we read Delmore Schwartz's "The Foggy, Foggy Blue." I have used Schwartz in classes in the past, but for some reason this particular poem has slipped under the radar until now. It's amazing how poems strike us (or fail to) over time; perhaps the accumulation of personal experience has something to do with it. Regardless, I was happy to introduce this poet and his work to my students.

As I normally do, I created a rather sophisticated lesson plan (or cheat sheet) for discussing the poem, but midway through the 3rd grade class I realized that simply getting to the heart of it would work best, not just for the littlest kids but for other grades as well. I took that same approach for the 4th and 5th graders, and let their own questions and comments spark discussions in the classrooms. It was a smart move on my part.

Here are Solomon student poems. A bit more on the poem and process is also included.

The Eyes Have It

2010-11-16T13:24:00.000-06:00

Take a look (pun intended) at these poems, written today by 5th and 6th graders at Pilgrim Lutheran School in response to David Ignatow's "I Close My Eyes."

The Me Decade group page on Facebook

2010-11-12T14:29:00.000-06:00

The Me Decade now has a Facebook page.

Please 'like' The Me Decade, and pass on the word!

Post Office now on Facebook

2010-11-12T11:58:00.000-06:00

Another of my early Chicago-era bands is now on Facebook -- Post Office. Check out our group page and don't hesitate to like what you hear!

Folk You! 9th Anniversary

2010-11-11T10:28:00.002-06:00

As some of you may know, I've been hosting a singer-songwriter round robin (guitar pull, showcase, or whatever) since December 2001 called Folk You! We've been in residence at a few places in the city, such as Beat Kitchen and The Hideout, but for the past three-plus years we've been happily ensconced at The Horseshoe. (Thank you, 'shoe!)

I've made efforts to more aggressively promote Folk You! over the years, but more or less we get along just swell on word-of-mouth from both guests and audience members. Still, even considering my reading engagements and band shows, Folk You! in many ways remains my most constant pleasure, whether performing to an intimate handful of attendees or a boisterous throng. As befitting my character, I've tried to make the experience low-key and loose, and while it gives me a chance to try out new material, or fumble through unearthed chestnuts from my troubadourial vault (cheat sheet required), my favorite part of each show is inevitably when I can lean back in my chair and watch the other performers. It's quite a vantage point, and enviably the best seat in the house.

So while our milestone-y 10th anniversary is still a year off, big, big thanks to Mike Felten and Chicago City Buzz for this post from yesterday -- and hope you can make it to this month's edition of Folk You!, November 19th at The Horseshoe.

Malcontent now on Facebook

2010-11-09T09:21:00.001-06:00

Please 'like' Malcontent, and pass on to any interested parties!

Fussbudgets group page on Facebook

2010-11-07T17:04:00.000-06:00

Phase two in an ongoing attempt to migrate information previously available only on My Space to Facebook: a Fussbudgets page, about my San Francisco-era "savant pop" band. This is in anticipation of digitization of the Fussbudgets oeuvre, finally making it available via iTunes and other digital providers, as well as (hopefully) hard copy as well.

Friend The Fussbudgets!!

Eyes Unshut

2010-11-05T19:49:00.000-05:00

Here are Solomon students' poems written in response to David Ignatow's elegiac, "I Close My Eyes."

Injured Parties group page on Facebook

2010-11-05T18:22:00.000-05:00

Check out this new page dedicated to my band, The Injured Parties.

Seriously Funny review

2010-11-05T11:50:00.000-05:00

Check out my review of Seriously Funny, a recent anthology of poetry edited by Barbara Hamby and David Kirby.

Contents of "Table"

2010-10-31T23:36:00.001-05:00

Last week the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders at Solomon read and discussed Turkish Modernist poet, Edip Cansever's "Table." Here are their 'household object' poems, written in reaction to it, as well as Pilgrim Lutheran School's 5th and 6th graders' work from this week.

Poems from Pilgrim

2010-10-26T12:57:00.000-05:00

This week's student poems from Pilgrim 5th and 6th graders, in response to Jane Kenyon's achingly gorgeous "Let Evening Come."

Hands on Stanzas begins

2010-10-14T17:17:00.000-05:00

I've had one class apiece for my two residencies now this year. Check out blog entries for Pilgrim (a new school for me) and Solomon. The students are off to a terrific start!

Dogs Singing

2010-09-17T12:12:00.000-05:00

I have three poems appearing in the anthology, Dogs Singing, forthcoming in October from Salmon Poetry. Get your copy now!

Upcoming Gigs

2010-09-17T11:52:00.000-05:00

It's still a bit early in the semester/year for me to begin musing fully on my classes, so instead I'll add some pretty posters regarding two upcoming gigs (one of which is tonight).

More to come...hope to see you at an upcoming show!

Crab Orchard Series Semifinalist

2010-09-02T13:05:00.002-05:00

Just learned I was a semifinalist in the 2010 Crab Orchard Series in Poetry competition for my manuscript, Brief Nudity.

Charles Bernstein Review

2010-09-02T08:55:00.000-05:00

Check out my review of Charles Bernstein's selected poems, All the Whiskey in Heaven in this month's New Pages.

draconian measures: The Origin

2010-08-16T12:48:00.000-05:00

Some people have asked about the title of this blog. (I guess any measures taken here to date don't seem quite so draconian!) The origin goes back to a temp job I worked in San Francisco. One day the underlings in the law office where I was placed received a memo regarding non-adherence to the firm's dress code, stating that "draconian measures" would be undertaken if people didn't comply. The severity of the memo was underscored by the sheer absurdity of the so-called 'dress code,' which seemed to focus specifically on shoes. My own at the time had been purchased at a local thrift store (specifically for said job) and ironically passed muster despite being a little worse for the wear. In other respects, I thought I was pushing the parameters clothes-wise but since I was a lowly temp I was that much more unconcerned.

Coincidentally, I had been considering starting my own literary zine at the same time, and since no title had yet been decided upon "draconian measures" seemed not only appropriate, but the perfect excuse for me to stop thinking about doing it and acting on the idea instead. Therefore, draconian measures was born!

To commemorate the magazine's genesis, I copied the pertinent portion of the memo and blew up the rather mundane font so that it had a cruddier look. Not just a title, but a logo as well -- perfect for my self-described "litter-ary" magazine.

draconian measures didn't last very long. Despite working many years as a freelance journalist, and being all-too-familiar with looming deadlines, it was tough for me to maintain a regular schedule for releasing issues -- and even tougher for me to decide on material to publish. I declined much more than I accepted, and after a few years it became a chore.

I recently made it out to my storage space (an essential component for the urbanite with limited living quarters who holds onto as much material as I do), and among the items I was seeking were back issues of dm. I found two, and just published them on Scribd. Check out issues #2 and #3 for a glimpse into my nascent editorial tastes, as well as some very fine poetry, fiction, interviews and art by names familiar and unknown that I think largely holds up well today.

So when I started this blog, thinking it would mostly focus on my writing and teaching, the name returned to me as the right choice. I like how it owes something to my editorial past, and carries on into the present. I hope that makes sense, or enough anyway.

Hands on Stanzas

2010-07-12T19:53:00.000-05:00

Check out the just-published 2009-2010 Anthology of Student Verse, featuring my 5th grade students from Shields Elementary, and my 3rd, 4th and 5th graders from Solomon Elementary!

Two shows this week

2010-07-12T11:13:00.001-05:00

Two gigs this week. Check images for full details. The Injured Parties play 9-ish at The Mutiny, while Folk You! begins at 8 PM sharp at The Horseshoe. Hope you can make it out to either/or/both.

Srečko Kosovel Review

2010-07-01T17:04:00.000-05:00

Check out my review of Srečko Kosove's Look Back, Look Ahead in this month's New Pages.

Upcoming Shows

2010-06-29T11:46:00.001-05:00

Selected upcoming musical performances...a glimpse into the fall and beyond. Hope to see you at these events!

Cafe Press

2010-06-04T11:57:00.006-05:00

Cafe Press now features an online store for Zenith Beast, featuring official merchandise from my various enterprises: solo music and books, as well as music-related material from The Injured Parties, The Fussbudgets, Post Office, The Me Decade, and the annual Alex Chilton Birthday Bash.

Check it out! Be the first on your block to be gloriously betogged, and/or to quaff a beverage from an I Am Spam mug!

Tunecore

2010-05-27T15:22:00.001-05:00

Your one-stop shopping for LOD music:

Revolving Door Reading

2010-05-25T18:29:00.003-05:00

Here is an edited video of my appearance at the Revolving Door reading series earlier this month. The three excerpted poems are "The Carillon," "Circling Train Set" (originally commissioned for the Dollar Store series), and "My Penis."

Thanks to Jamie Kazay and Jennifer Steele for having me read!

Internet Archive

2010-05-13T12:09:00.003-05:00

The Internet Archive now has my entire Price Charming album available. These versions have been tweaked ever-so-slightly by yours truly, so do not constitute a full-fledged remastered reissue; nonetheless, it's nice to hear these songs again after twenty (!) years.

Hope you enjoy!

Revolving Door

2010-05-11T13:36:00.002-05:00

On May 19th I'll be one of the featured readers for the Revolving Door series.

Hope to see you there!

Shields School-wide Reading

2010-05-11T13:34:00.001-05:00

I just blogged about today's Shields school-wide reading. Check it out!

Homemeade Music

2010-05-10T14:10:00.004-05:00

In the 1980s and 1990s, I recorded a slew of albums that were only released on cassette. One of my ongoing to do projects involves digitizing and making available the 'best of', if not all of the music from this rather fertile period. Once that happens I will definitely make a more official announcement here, as well as through the Zenith Beast site.

In the meanwhile, I just learned that Homemade Music has some of those songs posted online. Bryan Baker, Gojoob scribe, wrote about many of those releases and was quite helpful in obtaining for me some publicity for what was basically a one man operation. Check out what has been uploaded so far. Hope you enjoy!

Hands on Stanzas Citywide Reading

2010-05-10T14:03:00.003-05:00

Here's blogs about the student readers from both Shields and Solomon who participated in the Hands on Stanzas end of the year reading a few weeks ago. Everyone did a terrific job!

Series A/Chicago Amplified

2010-05-10T13:50:00.002-05:00

Here's Chicago Amplified's recording of the reading I gave back in February for Series A at the Hyde Park Art Center. Translator, Kristin Dykstra also reads.

Wordeater interview

2010-04-26T14:24:00.000-05:00

Check out this interview which appeared in the spring Wordeater newsletter. Thanks, Kat!

Upcoming Musical Mayhem-ery

2010-04-15T08:34:00.004-05:00

I would be remiss if I didn't point out some of my upcoming musical performances as well.

Tomorrow night is my Folk You! songwriters showcase, held the third Friday every month. We begin semi-promptly at 8 PM and run until 10, which makes it an early night if you'd like, and/or opens up possibilities to catch a later show if you're so inclined.

On April 29th, my band, The Injured Parties once again plays the fabled International Pop Overthrow (IPO) festival, here in Chicago. This is also an early show; we kick things off promptly at 8 PM.

Hope you can make it to either of these events. The Injured Parties has another date in June coming up, and Folk You! continues its monthly residency at The Horseshoe. In the meanwhile, I'll keep you apprised of solo and band performances in the Chicago area and beyond.