KYLEs tourBLOG

Friday 11.6.09 - Portland

Ohh off days. This was a particularly good one! Great food from Stanich’s where the Special is a $6.50 burger piled high with toppings (see below).

After that, Eddy and I took in the Sam Rockwell film Moon which I had been meaning to see for some time. It was pretty good, though I had a few complaints—specifically the mail system’s horrible name—the “Jupiter Drive” although Kevin Spacey’s voicing of the AI on board was a nice touch complete with rudimentary emoticons replacing a robot face. B-. The Laurelhurst Theater where we saw the film was pretty incredile itself. They showed second run movies for $3 a ticket and served a nice selection of beer and pizza.

After that the dudes ventured to Por Que No, a fantastic taco house which Eddy credits with his favorite tacos in the country. And their habanero salsa is hard to beat as well.

To close the evening Eddy and I met up with ex-Oklahoman/Baltimoron Thom for drinks at Bye & Bye. Didn’t get to sample their vegan options though I couldn’t imagine the “chili dogs” holding up to anything from the coney houses of Tulsa.

An excellent and relaxed evening in Portland, no doubt. Today we recieved word that we’d snagged a few spots on SC label mates Dinosaur Jr.’s guestlist for the Wonder Ballroom tonight! Their latest effort has been one of my favorite records of the year! Can’t wait!

KD

Thursday 11.5.09 - Portland, OR

Hello!

Yesterday we woke up (so) early and headed north on the ten hour journey to Portland. It was the first time I’d seen that side of 6 a.m. in some time. We eventually arrived at Holocene in Portland, and what a fantastic venue! Not only was the space/staff amazing, but the openers The Woolen Men featured a member of our first tourmates Get Him Eat Him, Raphael! His new band really killed it, too! Definitely worth checking out!

I also got to hang out with our dear dear friend/photographer Melissa who informed me that my taste for Lil’ Weezy and Raekwon the Chef was “weird” and that she currently only listens to bands with pedal steel but was making an exception for us that night.

A bit of sad news, Todd received word that his grandmother had passed away, so this morning I took him to the airport so he could be with his family. We’ll miss the Seattle and Missoula show as a result, but I hope everyone here in the blogosphere keeps Toddy J and family in their thoughts. We’ll meet back up with him in Salt Lake City. That gives a few spare days in Portland.

Lucky for us, we’re staying with our old tourmate Eddy from Parenthetical Girls and he’s a fabulous host. Pictures to follow, including an excellent shot of him I found on the refrigerator from what has to be a middle school prom of sorts. 

Another great night in Portland, now time for some R&R. 

Til next time, 

KD

Wednesday 11.4.09 - San Francisco

Currently trying to post audio from Blake “All I’ve Eaten Today is a Glass of Whiskey” Johnson’s voicemail in which he explains that he doesn’t remember if he said goodbye to me this morning but will, “uhhh, see you later, I guess?” So far, no luck but it’s pretty hilarious so I’ll keep trying.

Yesterday we returned to SF to play at one of my favorite bars/venues, the Hemlock Tavern in what Blake told me was SF’s Porkchop District.

Lots of friends made the night especially enjoyable including John who toured with us in Headlights, and the fine folks I met on my two weeks in the bay last month: big ups to Vince, Danielle, and Jeff, as well as Tina and Miles and the original old boy and video master Benny A.

We continued the Mexican diet with giant burritos in The Mission (!) and after the show Josh got a hot tip on a famous all night donut joint, Bob’s, that completely lived up to its reputation.

We had such a great time it’s really hard to drive away after a too short stay in such a fantastic city. I can’t wait to come back! On to Portland!

KD