What's In A Name

I think the first name we considered was "Brompton's Cocktail". I didn't like it. A few bands did like it because we've played with at least three of 'em by that name when we were touring. After that it was the "Prom Tans". As in the sign I saw in front of the tanning salon that said "get your prom tans early!" Too vague we thought, no one will know what the hell we're talking about. I must have remembered "House of Large Sizes" from my time in Minneapolis. The equivalent store in Cedar Falls was "Marla's House of Larger Fashions". Now that's a band name. I remember saying"we'll just use HOLS for this show until we come up with something better". Still looking I guess.

Once in a while this thought pops into my head: This freaking song is 23 years old. As old as I was when I wrote it! When a song goes back that far I almost feel like I'm covering it or some thing. At this point remembering the words is more difficult the relearning the arrangement. I find myself working on remembering stuff like; "Oozes and oozes, these clothes don't fool us..." To this day it is difficult for me to write a straight ahead beginning to end story/lyric.

All right. Five days and counting. We are all very excited about this weekend. For some strange reason I am a lot more into it than last time. Don't get me wrong nobody put a gun to my head, but this time I think I'll be able to actually concentrate on playing and stuff. The last run was an absolute blur. With all four shows in a row my voice was giving me trouble after the second date. Spreading them out is a good thing I think. I really hope the weather holds out for the July 4th weekend as the 80/35 festival is an experience we are all looking forward to.

(Thanks to William for the HOLS photo above)

Bye,

Dave

The Happiest Place on Earth

We really have to thank artist Matthew Borger for his work on the new HOLS tour poster (left). Nice work Matt! I believe he screen prints these(?). I'll find out more and get back to you. Amazing. And while we're at it here's a look at the new HOLS Tee you'll be seeing at upcoming shows(below right). Minneapolis based artist Brian Cox came up with this one. We are still toying with the color of the tee shirt and the ink. This too will be at upcoming HOLS shows along with the "classic" paint can design.

I am writing this tonight from Disney World. Yep, Disney World. Having a great time with Owen and my four year old niece as they make their way through this amazingly huge theme park-world-universe unto itself on the outskirts of Orlando. Of course Barb and I are having fun spending time with with her sister and parents too.

Here's the weird part: I went swimming with my cell phone so it's dead and there is no free wi-fi here (We broke down and bought 24 hours for ten bucks). I have not been this isolated in years, man. I cannot get any calls and I cannot make a call with out asking some one for their phone! Such an idiot, second phone I've taken swimming in the last three months. Since this is Disney World you cannot walk anywhere. There are no other stores, coffee shops, bars or anything like that. Maybe I should just relax and appreciate it. I'll be the one drinking a Bud Hurricane Lager(it's really "Safari Ale" - below) by the pool.

See you in about three weeks.

Later,

Dave in Exile
6-4-09

PS: There have been a few comments in regard to a surcharge on tickets purchased through iowatix.com. They do charge $3.75 if you want tickets printed up. If you don't choose this option then the tickets are a flat $10.00. Much better.

Re: Set Time and Location for 80/35 HOLS Set

Looks like HOLS will play at 8:45 pm on the East Stage on Friday, July 3rd for 80/35 in Des Moines. Damn, that is going to be a fun show. Very happy to have John Svec and John Waltz
along for the ride as sound techs. Makes our job for these 4 shows so much easier. HOLS will practice for a 3rd time next week and I'm hoping to have a new song for us to work on. No title yet. No lyrics yet! Usually I improv 'em a couple of times and try to figure out what "he" has to say. ALl right, you have a good day!

I'll be in the t-shirt making basements.

What have I been listening to? Well, I've really been enjoying Mott the Hoople's "Mott" and "The Hoople" Lps. A band I've known about forever, but have not taken the time to seriously check out until now. I do think the new Yeah Yeah Yeah's "It's Blitz" is a successful experiment that is very cool. Summer usual brings a couple of the Replacement records into the mix. Not sure which ones yet.

Strangely, the Easy Dub All Stars version of Sgt Pepper has been in high rotation. The only misstep on it is "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" which is real bad. And how about Neko Cases "Middle Cyclone"? Sounds great, amazing voice and powerful songs. I will be ready for Neko to take a step in some crazy direction some time soon. What's been on your turntable? If you want to, give me a shout.

HOLS Shirts We're bringing back the paint can design. Man, I printed a few of those back in the day. There will also be a new design. Brian, from The Slats, is working on something and should have it to me in a week or so (right, Brian?). I'll have details here as soon as they are ready.

Song Requests I'm not crazy enough to say we'll take 'em for the upcoming shows, but I am curious; what HOLS song would you like to hear? Something old, something weird? Again, let me know.

-Dave

2009 Tour Dates Announced

Friday June 26 Iowa City, IA The Mill
Saturday June 27 Cedar Falls, IA Spicoli's
Friday July 3 Des Moines, IA 80/35 Festival
Saturday July 11 Dubuque, IA Silver Dollar Cantina

Openers to be announced. Set time for 80/35 to be announced.