by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

I made one Record Store Day stop at Homer’s Saturday afternoon after lunch. The crowds had subsided, but it was still plenty busy. Homer’s dude and Omaha man-of-action MarQ Manner said it was the most successful RSD he can remember, with a lot of stock having already been sold.

I flipped through the bins and had to decide between three albums – Joni Mitchell, Blue Highlights, Iggy Pop Live in Berlin, but ended up buying Lou Reed – I’m So Free: The 1971 RCA Demos. I only have one Lou Reed album (New York). I wanted something I could put on and just play in the background when I work, something I intend to play a lot.

I haven’t been inside Homer’s in at least a year and was surprised at how crammed it was with stuff. I remember the store being a lot more open, bright and orderly. These days every square inch is occupied with something, probably because they no longer have a warehouse (I can’t imagine having to do an inventory of all that stuff).

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Legendary Omaha singer/songwriter Simon Joyner performs for the first time in four years tonight at his record store, Grapefruit Records, 1125 Jackson Street in the Old Market. His latest single, “Tekamah,” is one of my recent favorites. He’s got a new album coming out May 20 called Songs from a Stolen Guitar (co-released by BB*Island and Homeless) and is headed to Europe next week on tour.

Joining Simon tonight is Lonnie Methe, who I haven’t seen perform since a gig he played at O’Leaver’s back in 2011 with David Kenneth Nance and Ember Schrag. I didn’t even know Lonnie still lived in Omaha until someone told me last week at O’Leaver’s that he’s actually lived here for years!

The show is $10 and starts at 7 p.m.

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Read Tim McMahan’s blog daily at Lazy-i.com — an online music magazine that includes feature interviews, reviews and news. The focus is on the national indie music scene with a special emphasis on the best original bands in the Omaha area. Copyright © 2022 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.

Lou Reed taking a ride on the wild side…

by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

Lou Reed, like all rock icons, was one of those guys that was nice to have around whether he was making music or not. When I listen to his music, I can see him walking the streets in Lower Manhattan in his leather jacket, sun glasses and ever-present scowl, or making the scene at The Factory or on stage somewhere in midtown. Always in New York City circa 1970, a New York City that, like Lou, no longer exists. But that’s how I’ll remember him. Along with his music, of course.

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It’s a busy Monday night.

Tonight down at Slowdown Jr. it’s red hot Brooklyn band Widowspeak (Captured Tracks) with Portland’s Pure Bathing Culture (Partisan Records). Widowspeak’s Molly Hamilton sounds like the second coming of Hope Sandoval (though last I looked, Hope didn’t go anywhere). So, yes, if you’re into Mazzy Star you’ll be into Widowspeak, though their music sounds more haunted and guaze-covered. Pure Bathing Culture reminds me of Throwing Muses. Check out the vids below. $8, 9 p.m.

Also tonight, at fabulous O’Leaver’s, east coast band Les Rhinocéros with headliner locals Mint Wad Wally and opener Underwater Dream Machine. $5, 9:30 p.m.

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Read Tim McMahan’s blog daily at Lazy-i.com — an online music magazine that includes feature interviews, reviews and news. The focus is on the national indie music scene with a special emphasis on the best original bands in the Omaha area. Copyright © 2013 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.