Citizen Mom

Dear T-Pain: Earth, Wind, Fire Request A Word With You

These kids, they don't know about about funk. About the shoulderpads, the sweatbands, the sheer power of a well-maintained Afro.

Idolator: Tonight T-Pain Will Be Visited By The Ghost Of Peter Frampton.

That's Some Hot Tuba!

Gather, oh gather ye white males of Eastern European extraction, for polka in the streets of our nation's capital this weekend in celebration of the working man. Start growing out your beard now, Lincoski.

Yosh and Stan Schmenge, "Cabbage Rolls and Coffee Polka"

And hey, no Polka category on Dancing With The Stars? Now that I'd watch. OK I watch anyway, but still.

Because He's The Boss And You're Not

I used to live on 10th Avenue in Belmar, NJ, a few blocks away from the house on E Street that served as the band’s namesake and first rehearsal space, which of course makes me eminently qualified to render an instant-opinion on the first single from the Boss’s forthcoming album, Magic, which drops Oct. 2. The single, “Radio Nowhere,” is NOW PLAYING on Phawker Radio and for this week only is available as a free iTunes download. Ahem.

First listen: Hmmm. Kinda familiar four-note guitar riff, though I can’t quite figure out what it reminds me of. Boss Phawker says he hears "Don't Fear The Reaper," but MYK is thinking "Owner Of A Lonely Heart."  ‘XPN is gonna suck this up like Lindsay Lohan in the handicapped stall.

Definitely feels more modern and rock-ish than Bruce’s more recent offerings, but nobody is gonna mistake this for the new Art Brut. Let’s go down the checklist: Big guitars? Check. Patti and/or Nils and/or Miami Steve on backup? Checkity-check. Big, bang, boom coming from Max Weinberg’s direction? Check. Subject matter: The sheer suckitude of commercial radio! This is news?

The voice. God, the voice! This, my friends, is what pushing-60 rock messiahs are supposed to sound like: Burnished. And still aping that “my Dad was from Kentucky” twang he uses to signify he’s speaking directly to you, The Average Working Stiff.

Still, it’s not exactly an anthem — it’s no “Badlands,” more like “Mary’s Place” — rousing enough to get the Dad-rockers out of their seats at the Meadowlands, but the emotional hook is a little too generic to make it a fist-pumper. I mean, does anybody not in the music business really feel the ups and downs of commercial radio’s vitality? Still, it’ll do nicely for an opening song on the mammoth intercontinental tour you know is about to follow. And that’s what this is all about really — getting the show on the road. See you in the parking lot.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band: Oct. 5 and 6 at the Wachovia Center, Oct. 7 and 9 at the Continental Airlines Arena.

'That's what I get for being in the neighborhood'

I know, I know, it cuts off right at the best part. Damn internets.

When Will I See Your Pantsuit Again?

The Three Degrees, "When Will I See You Again," from Top of the Pops '74

Quick And Dirty

Full text of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' resignation announcement:

GONZALES: Good morning.

Thirteen years ago I entered public service to make a positive difference in the lives of others. And during this time I have traveled a remarkable journey, from my home state of Texas to Washington, D.C., supported by the unwavering love and encouragement of my wife Rebecca and our sons Jared, Graham and Gabriel.

Yesterday I met with President Bush and informed him of my decision to conclude my government service as attorney general of the United States effective as of September 17th, 2007.

Let me say that it's been one of my greatest privileges to lead the Department of Justice. I have great admiration and respect for the men and women who work here. I have made a point as attorney general to personally meet as many of them as possible, and today I want to again thank them for their service to our nation.

It is through their continued work that our country and our communities remain safe, that the rights and civil liberties of our citizens are protected, and the hopes and dreams of all of our children are secured.

I often remind our fellow citizens that we live in the greatest country in the world and that I have lived the American dream. Even my worst days as attorney general have been better than my father's best days.

Public service is honorable and noble. And I am profoundly grateful to President Bush for his friendship and for the many opportunities he has given me to serve the American people.

Thank you, and God bless America.

END

Via AP

Looks Like Owen Wilson Finally Got Around To Reading 'Marley & Me'

REPORTS: Actor Owen Wilson hospitalized after possible suicide attempt.

Wow, Remember U2?

I once had a friend explain to me his theory that this song was written from the perspective of Christ, watching the disciples sleep in the Garden of Gethsemene. I know better -- it's about a friend of Bono's being a heroin addict -- but still.

When Rock Meets Righteousness: Bono to receive 2007 Liberty Medal at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Sept. 27, for his work on global poverty issues with DATA.  Paul Hewson joins past winners Nelson Mandela, Lech Walesa, Doctors Without Borders and the Ex-Presidents.

Tell Chester All About It

Linkin Park Projekt Revolution, Tweeter Center

*cue Pyro*

My Chemical Romance
Projekt Revolution
The Tweeter Center, Last Night
[photo by Amy Z. Quinn]