In standard fashion, I should be sleeping.

I’ve worked all day and night between the studio and our booth at the county fair. I’m not quite sure why I got back on the computer. probably to look up something, which lead to another thing, and so on. and then I revisited a thread on one of my all time favorite band’s forum about favorite lyrics, and I posted a few from Replacements, Sebadoh, and The Jam, but it was a Swivel Chairs’ lyric that I posted as one of my most favorite. It took me a few minutes to sift through the files in my brain: ‘is it an archers’ song’ ‘no’  ‘silly, girl…it’s TIED NOOSES from Swivel Chairs!’ (slapped myself aside the head!)

I immediately pulled out the Swivel Chairs’ boxed set, “Wet Matches” and started reading what Jay, Jeremy and I wrote for the liner notes. It’s been 6 years since it was released, which means about 16 years that Swivel Chairs has been around!

I’ve decided to write my main entry from those liner notes here to share:

First off, I have to say that no one person in this world can be happier than me to finally have Swivel Chairs music available on CD! Especially now that I’ve moved into the digital age in my car and can no longer listen to my cassettes there. After a recent move, my coveted Swivel Chairs cassettes were piled away until a late-night whisper of a lyric forced me to hunt down every single one of them–through box after box. I then reveled in all the glory of success as I put my head on the pillow, with Walkman attached, to listen to the history at 4am. It’s almost impossible to imagine that more than 10 years have passed.

I remember the early days of Swivel Chairs fondly. That was back when they were strictly an acoustic venture. Craziness ensued, when, gasp!…Swivel Chairs went electric!!! All hell broke loose. You never quite knew what to expect. Would this show include slide projections or video behind them? Would we be treated to fancy attire, with tie? Or, better yet, would we get candy at the next show? One never could tell. I’m thankful to be a part of it all, and on occasion have performed integral roles in various performances. Once in a great while it would involving percussion, or sitting in a chair in front of the kick drum so it wouldn’t run away from Jeremy! How about Bill Seng and I taking over the tambourine or shakers? I was often supplier of blank cassettes, photographer, promoter, chauffeur, and God knows what else…

It’s a bit strange, when Jeremy asked me to write this, I had no idea what the name of the boxed set would be, but it was the opening lines of “Wet Matches” that I heard whispered in the hallway of my apartment that late night. It seemed so real that I turned to see if maybe Jeremy was walking behind me, or if Swivel Chairs were sitting in my living room playing it. That won’t ever happen though, as it seems that song will never see the light of day for a live performance. No it was just my wild imagination taking over again, but maybe someday I’ll get my wish and hear “Wet Matches” live.

As I go through and listen, I can picture Jay pacing back and forth on stage during “Keith Richards” or the comforting waltz of “Scraps of Paper” as the twinkle lights glow at the Common Ground coffee house in Wildwood, NJ.

Then there’s the hot-summer-day shimmy of “And Smile,” which belongs on bright yellow 7″ vinyl. Or, what about the way old-school acoustic hits: “Saved Time”, “Starting to Feel” and “A Way to Smile.” Of course, I can’t forget to mention, my all time favorite Swivel Chairs classic, “Tied Nooses.” Oddly enough, my favorite version of it does not exist on any ‘official’ release. It appears on a not-so-random tape that I begged for way back in 1994 that includes all sorts of Swivel Chairs’ rarities–now available on this boxed set. I could go on forever and talk about each song, each gig, and tell the stories, but that might take too long.

As I reflect on the past 10 years or so, and think of all the gigs, the insanity, the possibilities, and the crap we’ve all gone through…I realize the common thread that brought us all together in the first place…our sincere love for music. I wouldn’t go back and change a single thing. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, without music, I’d be dead.

Jeremy and Jay have collected the history of Swivel Chairs for us here. I am extremely pleased and privileged to have been a part of it, and look forward to what’s in store for the future of the band. I hope to be there for every possible Swivel Chairs moment, whether it’s in person or in spirit. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I hope you enjoy discovering the world of Swivel Chairs, as much as I know I will, while I re-discover it over and over again.

Lauree McArdle
Arlington, VA 20003

It’s interesting that I choose tonight to remember this, and reminisce as it was just Jeremy’s birthday!

The lyric I love from “Tied Nooses” is: ‘well that anxious smile just gave you away in seconds flat, cause you wear your loneliness just like you wear a hat’ (although I wouldn’t be surprised if I got an email from him tomorrow telling me it’s something different)

truth is, I miss my friends. I miss the old times. I miss having new times. I miss being a part of it. I miss hearing advance versions/mixes of songs and getting to hear them grow and go out into the world. I miss being connected.

yet, here I am in a different Arlington apartment, staying awake too late, as I vibrate with the excitement of listening to and remembering an old song. And not being able to go to sleep until I get it all out of my head and I realize that maybe they’re not so far away.

Tied Nooses

Swivel Chairs on myspace

I’ve really been missing my time at WLFR lately and I was anxious to do another show. In a weird coincidence, it had been just a year since I did the last one.

I was going home to NJ for Easter, which also happened to be my nephew, Josh’s birthday.
Originally, I was supposed to do the show Sunday afternoon, but just before I left my parent’s house for the studio, I checked the stream online, and heard dance music. I knew that the DJ on at that time had a Grateful Dead show, so I knew something was awry.

I was leaving the macbook home so I could record the stream, since the college only allows students and faculty to log on to the wireless. I emailed Bill, one of the station managers my phone number and said I was thinking that no one was in the studio and it was on automation, but I was going off to campus to hope for the best.

Unfortunately, the campus was completely empty, and almost deserted. I was able to get into one building, but no where near the studio, plus even if I could get to where the studio is, I’d need an electronic card to swipe at the door to unlock it. Luckily, I spread the word as best I could to let everyone know there was a possibility I’d not be on…sigh.

The entire campus was locked up for the holiday, but the campus police never informed any of the WLFR managers.

Fortunately, I could go on to do a show the next afternoon, exactly a year to the date I did the last fill in show in 2008! too funny! Unfortunately, I set the computer to record the stream at the wrong time and didn’t get any recording of the show. If anyone does have a recording, I’d love to get it from you!

Here’s what I played, and I had an absolute blast playing it!

The Music Asylum April 13 2009 on WLFR:

The Feelies-Let’s Go
Joe Strummer-Johnny Appleseed
Jenny Doveson-I Will Think of it All
Blind Pilot-Go On, Say It
The Swimmers-Heaven
Crocodile-August is Over
Surefire Broadcast-Hey Baby!
Make Model-The Was
Oppenheimer-Only Goal & Winner
Marah-Point Breeze
The Heavenly States-Lost in the Light
Glossary-Almsgiver
The Clean-Someone
Running with Horses-Over Before it Ended
The Love Language-Lalita
I’m from Barcelona-Oversleeping
Marching Band-For Your Love
Frank Turner-Reasons Not to be an Idiot
Attic Lights-Walkie Talkie
Dropkick-Breakdown
The Primary 5-What Am I Supposed to Do?
Uncle Tupelo-Give Back the Key to my Heart
Have Gun, Will Travel-Come All Ye Sinners
Lamont Skylark-Daisy
Two Cow Garage-Skinny Legged Girl
Ike Reilly Assassination-Garbage Day
The Minders-It’s So Hard
The Underclass-Tomorrow is Now
Nushu-Spill
Camera Obscura-I Need All the Friends I Can Get
Mojave 3-Running with Your Eyes Closed
Teenage Fanclub-Ain’t That Enough
The Jam-That’s Entertainment
Swivel Chairs-And Smile

Two hours goes by real quick in radio, especially when you only get to do a show once a year. I hope to do more this year, but a lot depends on when I can get home to NJ. Community & college radio in Northern VA & DC is lacking, at least for community members. I out to a local college here in MD, as they had an open house for DJs. It was highly disorganized and I couldn’t be bothered to wait in line. I left it for the kids to fight for air time.

WLFR turns 25 this October, and hopefully, I can play a role in helping that celebration. I’ll have to dig up all my old “stuff” I have from my time at WLFR.

Stay tuned, I’m hoping to get back in the studio real soon!

Sunday, March 22

The official parties and showcases are over and recovery begins for most. However, there’s an annual Sunday gathering for brunch at Opal Devine’s for many of us. I’ve only gone the last two years, back in 1995 (my first SXSW) I wasn’t on the Postcard list yet. And SXSW was a completely different experience back then!

The 17th floor of the hotel had to evacuate at 4:30am. Climbing down 17 flights of stairs in PJs is not exactly what one wants to do at that hour, especially when you’ve only been asleep for a few:

-Um hotel evacuation not cool at 4:30 am #pcfh wish they would let us know whats going on 5:47 AM Mar 22nd from web
-All because some idiot was smoking in their room, we had to walk down 17 flights of stairs grr #pcfh 5:54 AM Mar 22nd from web (the twitter post times, are East Coast time)

I did find it curious that only the 17th floor had the alarm to evacuate. And it’s not one you can sleep through, it’s got a voice along with the bell and is constantly telling you to leave. But what if it had really been an emergency? the 16 floors below us would be ok? anyway….

We had a really great turnout for brunch, and it’s nice to just sit and relax with no where to go, unless your flight is leaving that day! A few left to catch flights, drive home, etc some went to Waterloo a bit early, and a handful of us stayed behind to talk with the Two Cow Garage boys.

A quick visit to Waterloo Records, although I was just along for the fun. By this time in the week, funds are usually way low for me! I went over to Flatstock with Terry & Wendy and wandered around a bit. I tried in vain to find an early birthday or Christmas present for a friend, but just couldn’t decide on something that would work.

took a few hours to relax in the room, pack up my stuff, and then met up at the Driscoll for a drink or two, off to dinner & drinks at ? a place I can’t remember, but was good food & conversation. And one last drink back at the Driscoll. We all said our goodbyes.

Then instead of walking around the block, me, Dave, Donny & Joe went over the front gate on the porch of the Driscoll and I almost broke my ankle hopping down onto the steps, even with assistance from the boys. I walked it off back to the hotel, hoping it would be fine.

Back in the room, I could barely keep my eyes open & had thought about going out for more music, but decided to sleep instead.

the view from the 17th floor:

Another SXSW complete.
I wonder what next year will bring?!

Saturday, March 21

Thankfully, I woke up feeling much better than the previous night. I decided to try and keep it relatively low key in the morning, during the first part of the day. I wanted to go to the Yorkshire party, but I decided to go to the Twangfest party. With such an incredible lineup this year, with many bands on my list in one venue, and the opportunity to spend the last official day with many friends, it wasn’t a hard decision.
A whole bunch of us went over from the hotel, and got there just as Ha Ha Tonka was about to start.

I split time between them and Otis Gibbs, who was playing outside.

A couple of us sat down inside for a bite to eat, and we must have hit the sweet spot because it didn’t take long for food to arrive. Unfortunately, I missed Romantica playing outside, but listened to The Waco Brothers as they started their set. It was strange to be at a table with my back to the stage, but I wouldn’t have been able to see them anyway, plus I know what they look like! once I was finished eating, I did stand up on my chair and snap this photo:

I then went outside to catch Steve Dawson, who had Edward Burch join him for a couple songs. I was the only one who gave a “woo hoo!” at Edward Burch’s mention of Bill Fox. If I recall correctly, they covered a song, but I don’t remember which one.

Back inside for a couple Exene Cervenka songs. I wanted to make certain I didn’t miss a second of Magnolia Summer outside so, I planted myself in a chair right at the front. It was a perfect soundtrack for yet another gorgeous day in sunny Austin.

Slaid Cleaves was starting his set inside just as Magnolia Summer ended theirs. I caught most it, and then hitched a lift with Mike, Meri & Mike to try and catch The Breakers. We missed them, but caught The Homosexuals who were interesting to watch over a quick beer.

From there we moved on to Home Slice Pizza, who’s lineup was WAY behind schedule. seriously behind schedule. Since I didn’t really have anything specific to see, I just hung out with the guys and waited at Home Slice. We were waiting for Jason Lytle to start his set, and I’m not a Granddaddy fanatic, but I dig them well enough. He sounded pretty good and was in relatively good spirits.

this was the best photo I could get:

Mike climbed up on the fence to take some from a better viewpoint, but I wasn’t climbing anything!

After that, we headed back downtown and I took a break to rest at the hotel.

Went over to see Two Cow Garage for a really short set at Creekside, which was a mere block away. My camera battery started to die but not before I got a ton of the boys. My favorite of this set:

I’ve been taking photographs of the Two Cow boys for years, and I’ve learned that I can just shoot and I’ll usually catch something good!

back to the hotel real quick to charge the camera battery for a few minutes, and a few of us were trying to decide the 9pm hour..so I listened to songs from our choices, and when I went to Craig & Brooke’s room, I said as they opened the door: The Little Ones! Which was a good choice, because they said the same thing! A few of us ended up there and the bar was packed. They were A LOT of fun!

I moved on to One Hundred Dollars next and was on my own. I had them on my list, and they were playing just before Marching Band. Marching Band had played a number of times all week and this was my last chance! I LOVE their album from start to finish, and love it so much that I was afraid I might be disappointed at the live show. no matter, their set became a Saturday night MUST SEE!

I felt bad for One Hundred Dollars singer, as she was losing her voice rapidly. poor thing could hardly talk at the end of her set. I had gotten from texts from my friend, Eric, who was looking for my must see of the night. I told him where I was and he showed up with a friend (her name escapes me at the moment) in time to catch a bit of One Hundred Dollars too. Heather got there in time as well. Definitely weird sitting in hard wood chairs in a church, but it sounded really good!

Marching Band were reluctant at the beginning of their set. They were concerned they were too loud. It really wasn’t too loud and it sounded amazing. from the first note, I knew I wasn’t going away disappointed! Even better is that my tip paid off to Eric, who loved them just as much as I did. I think after “For Your Love” he whispered ‘again, play it again!’ Beautiful swirling pop sounds, recreated almost to the exact note live.

The one thing about SXSW is that there’s usually little time for just hanging out and talking with a band. Granted, I jam pack my schedule with bands to maximize my time and get my money’s worth. My paycheck doesn’t really afford me many luxuries, but my love for music needs to be fed. A lot of times, there’s only a few brief moments to say hello to a band, because they have to move on to their next gig, sometimes having to run up 6th St or wherever. And depending on the situation, I can easily lose my voice and not have the courage to say anything. Luckily, I didn’t have anyone pressing to see for the 12am slot, so I waited around to say hello to at least one of the main pair of Marching Band. They left their albums & t-shirts at an unattended table, with a cup for money, kind of a free will payment for merch. Three of us were looking at the shirts, which most were in a backpack on the floor, so me being the organizer that I am, I starting taking them out and sorting them. Another girl helped too. At that point, Erik walked over.

I spoke with him for a few minutes telling him the sound was great, and not too loud as they had worried about it during the set. I gushed a bit about how I loved the album from start to finish and had been listening to it as soon as I could get it. When he asked me where I heard their music, I smiled and laughed a little. I replied The power of the internet! I first heard “For Your Love” on the Three from Leith podcast (Hi Grant!) based in Scotland. And we laughed a little at how an American girl got to hear & love a Swedish band while listening to a podcast from Scotland. My music world is truly Global!

Unfortunately, they haven’t had as quick a success with the record yet in the US & he admitted that they could be better with promotion decisions around it. I’m doing my best to tell everyone about it, but these things take time and people who have open minds to new music.

I said my goodbye and hoped I’d see them again soon, and was off into the lovely breezy night.

I made my way back to 6th St. wondering where I’d go next. The 12am slot was well under way, nothing was shouting off the page at me (yes, I had a paper schedule printed out from sched.org) but I sent off a few texts to see what was up.

I’d heard great things all week about The Arkells, so I stopped in to see them. They lived up to the hype and sounded incredible despite crappy PA issues and were having a total blast on stage. I ran into Joe there, after a few songs, I couldn’t get past the sound problems and it was about 100 degrees inside.

I tried to get in to Youth Group at Maggie Mae’s knowing a few who were in there, but they were at capacity. at this point, I started trying to sort out who was going where for the 1am hour. I had already seen The Waco Brothers (and they usually make their way to IOTA) and Dressy Bessy was a bit of a hike from where I was. I was going to go in and see Bobby Bare, Jr. and should have, but I never made it inside. Most were off to see Monotonix, but I wasn’t interested all that much in them.

In the end I walked up 6th St. got a fresh slice of pizza & a coke from the truck just outside the hotel. And it was the freshest. So fresh, I had to wait for it to come out of the oven! I went back to the room, calling it a night. I kind of had a feeling that after Marching Band, there wasn’t anything else I needed to really see!

bands for day 4:
Ha Ha Tonka
Otis Gibbs
The Waco Brothers
Steve Dawson with Edward Burch joining on a couple songs
Exene Cervenka
Magnolia Summer
Slaid Cleaves
The Homosexuals
Jason Lytle
Two Cow Garage
The Little Ones
One Hundred Dollars
Marching Band
The Arkells

tally for Saturday: 14 (6 full sets)