5 things to think about other than the election
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If the 8,000 Instagram-ed “I Voted” stickers clogging up your Facebook feed haven’t tipped you off (we’re partial to the “Earlybird” filter), today is Election Day. Again! Yes, it’s that’s magical time of year when Milwaukeeans pat themselves on the back all throughout the afternoon, only to be reminded later in the evening that, oh yeah, there’s more to the state than just Milwaukee and Madison. So if you’re the kind of person who is already looking for a nice place to curl up and die when the results come in, please consider the following distractions. And don’t blame us: Once again, we voted for ALF.
1. The new EP from Milwaukee’s Stock Options
Instrumental post-rockers Stock Options have a new EP, and it’s pretty terrific. Ancient Bloom was recorded live in the band’s practice space back in April, and it’s available online for the low, low price of nothing. If you like what you hear, you can pick up a physical copy when the band plays Quarters Rock ’N’ Roll Palace June 22.
2. Jaill’s album release party this Friday at Bay View Bowl
Bowling. Tacos. Jaill. If there are three better ways to kick of summer in Milwaukee, we’re not aware of them. So lay off the #wirecall tweets for a few hours, Suzy, and join the fine folks from Jaill this Friday at Bay View Bowl. They’ll be celebrating the local release of their second album for Sub Pop, Traps. (Look for our review next week, and check out our exclusive stream today.) Oh, and the band is giving away tacos. Tacos!
3. The awesomeness of Heavy Hand
From the ashes of Milwaukee’s Scarring Party comes Heavy Hand, a decidedly, uh, heavier group that trades tubas and typewriters for guitars and screaming vocals. Though the three-piece has been playing out a lot lately, it hasn’t been getting a whole lot of press. We blame ourselves, and hope that this small shout-out serves as the beginning of our atonement. The band’s next gig will be opening for The Celebrated Workingman aboard the mighty Iroquois June 8.
4. Mr. Sulu shilling for the Milwaukee County Transit System (in 1984)
Venus may be passing in front of the sun later tonight (you can check out all the hot celestial action at the UWM Manfred Olson Planetarium, with musical guests Canyons Of Static and Dawn Of Man), but back in 1984, Mr. Fucking Sulu was singing the praises of the Milwaukee County Transit System. ’Nuff said.
5. The universe is ultimately unknowable, there is no God, and we’re all gonna die.
Happy Election Day!
