Cammie's Journal Madness - Chop Me up into Pieces

From: woodsie22 Date: September 27th, 2004 01:15 pm (UTC) Part 2 - before the show (Link)

So, now, it was time to get to the venue area. I headed back relatively easily (stopping by Krispy Kreme), and got to the parking lot at 4pm - for an 8:30pm show. When I got out of my car, I could see Danny Weinkauf walking around (in his red pants) talking on his phone. I started working on my postcards at my car, until some guy came around selling his "poetry". He gave me one, and I gave him some change, before deciding that there were better spots to fill out the postcards. I didn't have enough change to buy stamps even before I gave the guy some, so I decided to check out some of the shops, to see if there were any nick-nacks or candy to pick up. Well, there were definately some strange stores. The one that I finally chose (conveniently across the street from the post office) was like a Spencer's Store, but much cooler. They had such random crap - junk food flavored chapstick, anti-Bush merch, gag stuff, costumes, 80's stuff... I didn't even look at half of the store. Picked up some chapstick... stopped by the post office, and then, I walked back to the venue, where I was shocked to see that absolutelyvile was already there. I sat down to finish up my cards, and we eventually figured out who the other was.

At this point, it was about 5pm. I'd originally planned on aimlessly walking around for another couple of hours, but instead, we chatted a bit, while absolutelyvile & her friend waited for the others in her group. Moving on... they all got there, including the niece, who Corn Mo got in. Eventually, TMBG started there soundcheck (the original reason that I got there so early). They played "I Palindrome I", but that was about the only song I could make out. I think the rest of the time was spent working on the venue song (and the music for the stage announcements). A couple of us had our ears planted on the cracks of the doors, so we could hear. I think those inside thought we were freaks. Eventually, I gave up & went to get a snack. The rest of the time... it was just anticipation. But, we were all in the front of the line. Then, less than 30 minutes before the show, the security guys said that the line was at the other door (there were people at each door, but more on the wrong door), so we all moved over.

The cruel security folk laughed at it all.

So finally, we all get in, and our group (absolutelyvile's friends and tagalong me) takes over most of the front row. Since there were so many of us, I ended up a little further stage right than I usually am (Miller spot instead of Flansburgh's), but that turned to be a really good spot, later on.

So...there was the endless waiting. The pre-music started out a little sucky (though the freaky group behind us did some interesting breakdancing to one of the early songs), but eventually, they got into the mix of rare-TMBG tunes that they've been playing at some shows (incl. St. Louis - this time, though, the last few bars of Am I Awake? weren't on repeat).

Note on freaky group: A couple of the girls had on light up devil's horns, and the group had two signs, which read three things (which made no sense): "Um... my feet?", "You're not Invited to my Pool Party.", and "Hug me if you have a suggestion." Now, I'm all for random signs... but get some TMBG-ness in them. JF noticed them during the concert, but when he saw that they were nonsense, he had the same sort of reaction that I did. The non-group guy next to me (some of the time) got a little annoyed with them later on (being silly & immature - acting like they were 14). What really got me... absolutelyvile's niece didn't really like non-group guy's attitude. She explained that they were acting just like her friends. Um, yeah... that's the point.

But, still, I've been by some really irritating people before, so they weren't too bad. Once the concert started, they were fine.

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From: vovat Date: October 7th, 2004 04:53 pm (UTC) Re: Part 2 - before the show (Link)

They seem to play that one remix of "S-E-X-X-Y" before or after every show nowadays. You know, the one with all the samples.

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From: woodsie22 Date: October 10th, 2004 12:25 pm (UTC) Re: Part 2 - before the show (Link)

Yeah - but, its cool, so that's okay :-)

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From: woodsie22 Date: September 27th, 2004 01:19 pm (UTC) Part 3 - Corn Mo & TMBG (Link)

Corn Mo was great, yet again. I enjoyed this performance a lot more than the St. Louis one, but that probably had to do more with the crowd. No yelling of "Freebird!", thank goodness. But, his set seemed a little too short. Unfortunately, this was probably the last time I'll see him - for a long while, anyway. I don't think he's playing at Irving Plaza (not listed on the IP website). I might just have to buy some merch from his website.

The Concert

So... more wait time... and wait... I watched the crew checking the instruments... put out the setlists (which I couldn't read, because JF's was by the drum riser). Finally, the random music dimmed, and it was TMBG time. I couldn't exactly make out the tune that they entered with, but it wasn't the Orff intro. I also had a hard time making out the venue song which, of course, they opened with (after JF teased that they hadn't written one). About all I made out was what sounded like laughter. I'll need to DL it (once its up) just to see how OFF I was.

One of the first songs that they played was New York City, which just reminded me that I truly am "Three Days from New York City!" Woo-hoo.

Songs they played: Venue Song, Ana Ng, She's an Angel, Particle Mo, Bastard WTHM, 30 sec. Boss of Me, 2 H*R songs, It's Kickin' In, Dr. Worm, Fingertips, End of the Tour, Stalk of Wheat, Alphabet of Nations, Exp. Film, Spine/Memo, Wearing a Raincoat, Drink, Twisting, Robot Parade, Birdhouse, 'Til my Head Falls Off, Polk, Violin, Famous Polka, and Thunderbird

Highlights:

During Drink, JF had the crowd sing "Drink, Drink!" for every one of his "Drink!"s It sounded really cool.

Also during the show, Flansburgh told the a story: When he was working his graphical artist job (20+ years ago), he noticed that the company he worked for had a catalog of pictures of naked women on bicycles. He never really knew why they would actually ever need to use these. Then, before the show, when they were eating at a nearby restaurant, he looked out the window, and saw a topless woman riding a bicycle. And, a 25 year-old question was answered.

This was my first time seeing the dueling accordians on Particle Man, and I gotta say that it was interesting, to say the least.

For Dr. Worm, they shot off the confetti cannons, and most of the confetti on stage left went right back and flew at Dan Miller. Taken out by friendly fire. This was mostly because of the three official (they had stickers) TMBG fans that were blowing all night (I probably got a better breeze then any of the band). Later, during James K Polk, I noticed some guys by Linnell grabbing some of the confetti. At first, I thought 'Freaks!' - but then, I realized their plan. During the usual confetti part, they threw it in the air (got a grin from Weinkauf & Linnell). Because of the friendly fire incident, they actually had quite a bit of it to throw about.

Famous Polka - I was very close to strumming Flansburgh's guitar, but I wasn't standing at a central enough spot. Its okay - I was getting weak enough in the knees from JF and DM stepping out on the edge of the stage (several times). They were so close, I literally had to step back.

Violin/The Wave - Being a hockey fan, I had some reactions to JF's intro of the wave. It was fairly standard, but this time, he said "It's like a hockey game, but without all the fights." Now, with someone else, I'd be annoyed by the characterization of hockey as simply fight-filled, but from the other intros I've heard, I was like... ok, fine. But, there are still a couple of problems - 1) At least in St. Louis, you don't really see the wave at the hockey games and 2) Sniff, sniff... yeah, remind me of the lockout.

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From: woodsie22 Date: September 27th, 2004 01:20 pm (UTC) Part 3.5 - More Show (Link)

H*R - Homestar Runner was a special guest for the night, and I honestly did not know what to expect. I mean, its not like I haven't seen puppets at a TMBG show (how funny is that?), but I didn't know exactly what they would be doing. Basically, it was the band playing a tune, while first Marshie & then Homestar sang a random song. I really wish they recorded this portion because it was just so... appropriate. There's also something funny about a bunch of people going to a rock concert and ignoring a band, so they can watch puppets. I can't really remember the songs very well, but Marshie's sounded almost like a theme song (something about don't call me mushroom?) & Homestar's was about feet or shoes. I kinda hoped that they would have more, but before the puppet-set, I'd seen Miller verify from Bellar that it was two songs. Left me wanting more!

Thunderbird - before the show, the group of us were talking about songs, or more specifically, how we'd really like to finally hear Thunderbird. Since they'd played it the last two shows, we figured there was a fair chance that they'd play it again. I said that I'd be tempted to bring signs to Irving Plaza if they didn't, because I really wanted to hear it again. As she explained in her post, near the end of the show, absolutelyvile and one of her friends figured that they wouldn't be playing T-bird, so they wrote it on the back of their foam hands. They were in the perfect spot to get Flans to see it, and during the second (?) encore, he introduced Thunderbird as being by request of the front row. We screamed in delight, and my night was made!!!!

I hate my memory, sometimes. I can't remember much more. I can't wait until this is up for download! I am SOOO buying it.

After the show, the security guys were very good about letting people wait around for souveneirs & such. We were waiting for a setlist, when Bellar came out. I guess he broke a stick... or just likes giving them away, because he came out to give away a drum stick. Some lady was really rude in her souvenier quest and ended up knocking into absolutelyvile's niece. But, all turned out well - the concert goer who at one time didn't think she'd be able to go, got the stick. Rudeness will not often get you free stuff. Bellar signed some autographs, and before the security people physically moved us, he fetched the setlist for absolutelyvile.

After that, we headed out, but I didn't get a chance to say goodbye, because I jumped into the massive t-shirt stand blob (not a line). Purchase made, I headed back to my car. I saw some people waiting by the bus for auto's, but I went ahead and left (after waiting a bit for traffic to clear). I was a little hungry, but most of my food possibilities were foiled (some by traffic, some by the hour), so I ate again at Krispy Kreme, before returning to the hostel and writing a brief review for tmbg.

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From: woodsie22 Date: September 27th, 2004 01:22 pm (UTC) Part 4: Heading Back Home (Link)

The return:
The next morning, I had to make my way back. First thing I did was move my car (I had to park a block away). Then, I gathered my crap, checked out, and was on my way. I couldn't find my directions (I'll probably find them when I'm throwing all my bottles/Krispy Kreme bags), so I just went back by memory. Fortunately, its an easy drive. My first stop was Shoney's, for their delicious breakfast buffet. Awesome stuff. Then, as I neared Chattanooga, traffic stopped - I don't know what happened - I think there had been debris on the road, which gave several cars flats -- because there were three cars being towed away, and they didn't look like accident victims. Whatever it was, it killed a lot of time. Once I was in Chattanooga, I was the one killing time.

Originally, I'd planned on just seeing Rock City. That wouldn't kill too much time, would it? Well, I follow the signs, but then I spot the incline. At first, I thought, maybe I can take that to Rock City, too. When I walked in, from some sign, I was able to infer that this was not the case. But, since I was there, I thought I might as well go. And, since I was going on that, I might as well do the discount 3-for-1 deal (discount by buying 3 attractions at once), and see Ruby Falls, too.

Now, the Incline was kinda cool. It took you slowly up the side of Lookout Mtn - at one pt, on a 73 degree angle. And, the view was magnificent. But, it took several minutes, and the cars only ran every 20 minutes. So, big time killer. Got up top, took some pictures, walked around (they mentioned a Point Park 3 blocks away, but once I saw it was $3, I went back w/o going in - some Civil War thing), and went to the incline. The car filled, but since I was alone, the operator let me stand behind the last row.

Next was Rock City. Now, this place is cool, but its very long. Essentially, its a bunch of rocks and plants, but they're just rather fascinating. And, there's a swinging bridge. Some couple was really nice, and at one of the lookout points, they asked if I wanted them to take a picture for me. So, we'll see how it turns out. The creepy part, though, was the Fairyland. The first part was gnomes hanging around (this land was inside the "caves") and displayed in many ways - going about their daily lives. It was cool at first, and then it got a little old. "Look. Its another gnome. Woo." Most of this fairy land was dimly lit... for art or money, who knows. Then, after they ran out of gnomes, they moved to fairy tale displays, along the walkway. Again, the first few were cool, then it got a little disturbing. What really gave me a creepy feeling was the final room, which had a bunch of fairy tale characters lined up in smaller displays. The dark lighting and set-up... it just creeped me out, and I had to scurry out. I decided that if John Linnell was to ever create a some display or song about fairy tails, it would resemble this. It was just too dark.

Creepyland was the end of Rock City -- then, it was off to the gift shop. I bought some small stuff (patch, ornment, pin) & moved on. According to the brochure, there was an old-time soda fountain place on the grounds (which I eventually found), but it sucked, so I headed back to my car, and drove to Ruby Falls.

The signs in Chattanooga are great - I had no map, but could find everything easily. I got to Ruby Falls - and I had I could check it out quicker than the others. Nope. Ruby Falls was actually underground. Maybe I should have read that brochure. The tour would take a little over an hour, but it was still cool. They took pictures ($15) when you first got down, but I think this was more because of the waiting. There was one elevator, many people (4 loads for my group) in a group, and multiple tours going on at once. One way in & one way out. So, we spent some time waiting on one side of the cave. But, the falls was great. It was even worth all the bad jokes, and a whiny kid. Afterwards, I went back up, bought the picture & some postcards, and I left. It was now 4pm, and I had a 7 hour drive ahead of me.

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From: absolutelyvile Date: September 27th, 2004 04:45 pm (UTC) Re: Part 4: Heading Back Home (Link)

For art or money, haha.

It was great meeting you. Hope you enjoyed Thunderbird ;)

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From: woodsie22 Date: September 27th, 2004 07:17 pm (UTC) Re: Part 4: Heading Back Home (Link)

Same here, and I am so glad that the foam hands worked!! :-)

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From: woodsie22 Date: September 27th, 2004 01:24 pm (UTC) The END (Link)

I kept driving and driving. I listened to the Sedaris audiobook from the library, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped. I probably would've enjoyed listening to more music, but oh well. It killed time. The ride was fairly boring, except for the gas stop, where a fellow H*R guy noticed my Strong Bad shirt. He said that he has a Trogdor shirt. I bet he was shocked to see such a cultured gal at a random gas station in KY.

The last bit of the trip (oh, Paducah on) went a little slow, but I got back to St. Louis a little after 11pm. After two days of parking fun, my apt complex lot was crowded, so I parked the furthest away from my place that I ever had, in the 4 years that I've lived here! Perfect time for it, too. I want to know where all the cars came from!! Boo hiss.

And, that leads me to now. About to do some homework or errands, and anxiously awaiting THURSDAY!!!

I'm three days from New York City...

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From: aliste Date: October 3rd, 2004 04:15 pm (UTC) (Link)

Hey, cool to read about your whole trip, thanks.

p.s. it's "Beller."

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From: woodsie22 Date: October 4th, 2004 09:14 pm (UTC) (Link)

Oops. And thanks for reading it!

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From: jules_hoshihito Date: November 10th, 2004 10:17 pm (UTC) Nifty review.. (Link)

Hi, followed a mention in TMBG here *waves*

Cool review, was wondering how the H*R part of the show went. *sniffs that she couldn't go, being.. oh.. nearly 3000 miles away* Of course, all the good things come to ATL -after- I move away.. :P

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From: woodsie22 Date: November 10th, 2004 11:38 pm (UTC) Re: Nifty review.. (Link)

Isn't that always the way? Yeah... that show was cool. :-) During it, Flansburgh asked rhetorically, "Haven't you guys been to a puppet show before?" The funny thing is I have... and it was also at a TMBG show.

Anyway - thanks for reading & commenting!

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