The further adventures of Swan Fungus on the East Coast reached its peak Sunday with an epic cook-off at between my sister and I. Hosted by a local bar, ten-or-so contestants vied for the title of “best meatball” while imbibing copious amounts of alcohol. My sis spent all Saturday night prepping her balls, which contained a picture of pork, ground beef, veal and bacon. Then she used pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs to fill ’em out. They were doused in a tangy, spicy barbecue sauce. That same Saturday night I was getting drunk and watching Nekromantik so I couldn’t really be bothered to work on my meatballs. Instead, on Sunday morning, I drove over to a Subway in a mall food court, asked to buy 25 meatballs, and then dumped some smoked paprika, onion salt, garlic salt, cayenne, crushed red pepper, and oregano into a pot with the balls. The judges awarded my sister 1st place in the cook-off, and I came in third. Combined, we won $150 worth of bar tab money. Of course, I later found out from one of the judges that my Subway balls actually received the most first-place votes, but one asshole judge — convinced that my balls were “store bought” — demanded a re-vote with my balls ineligible. On that vote, my sister won, so I was given 3rd place as a consolation. As only a couple people were privy to this insider intel, we plan on telling her tonight and embarrassing her in front of all her friends. Serves sister right, as she’s been rubbing her victory in my face for the past 48 hours.
I’m going to Wegmans in a few minutes for lunch. This will be the highlight of my vacation.
Player Piano released its latest video today, entitled “Duel Of The Bumblebees.” This one was filmed at Hollywood Piano and features both Sonya as well as pianist Arturo Cardelús. It’s the first collaborative video since “Akira,” and it’s a fun little video. You should check it out. Also because there’s a brief cameo by yours truly (check the background at 0:04). Once again I’m going to tell you, you should really donate to our IndieGoGo campaign if you have not already. As far as I can tell (according to the Dashboard) Swan Fungus hasn’t referred a single donor. That’s unaceptable. You people funded both a turntable and a digital camera for me years ago. Am I to believe that when I ask for a real donation for a worthy cause, no one’s going to stand up and join me in helping out this young, totally independent YouTube channel? C’mon. It’s the holiday season now. Tis the season, right? Also my offer still stands for a night of drinking in Los Angeles (or New York) on me to any Swan Fungus reader who donates. I think that’s a totally fair return on investment. You give $100, then you drink like $200 worth of booze with me. Sounds like an obvious YES to me. Donate today.
Here’s a little mid-week Mix Tape to entice you.
01. Madrigal – Excursion
02. This Will Destroy You – New Topia
03. Mogwai – Teenage Exorcists
04. Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Night Noises
05. Orchestra Of The Upper Atmosphere – An Open Vista Is Revealed
06. Vangelis – Stuffed Aubergine
07. Heldon – Cocaine Blues
08. Hochenkeit – Too Many Oceans
09. Velvet Underground – Candy Says [Closet Mix]
10. Sun City Girls – Eye Mohini
11. Pallbearer – Vanished
