18 April 2015: Storming Houston Over Six Minute Century

“We’re trippin’ them Satan’s balls tonight!”~Dr. Froth

My apologies to my subscribers. I nearly forgot to write on this.

After a six month absence in Houston, I was able to make yet another trip to see SIX MINUTE CENTURY. For the birthday celebration of lead singer, Chuck Williams.

After failing miserably in January, being fooled by what Texas appears to call winter weather …. things just seemed odd. Probably because of the fact that it HAD been six months.

I found myself attempting to make it there on my own. No neighbors could help give me a ride to the bus stop, so I didn’t feel like there was much of a choice.

But that hill that found me, nearly killed me. And there were a ton of people around who were just walking by. Nobody offered to help. I started to get angry, but then again, I could see that uncertain area in between being helpful and being presumptuous about the situation. And then when I got on the bus, we ended up getting into a rather unusual fender bender. A Taurus ran through a red light and clipped the corner of a double decker bus. If this vehicle was playing chicken, then they didn’t realize what they were up against.

All but one passenger was okay. That one passenger elected to get off the bus (by his own power) and seek medical attention. The rest of us apparently wanted to carry on towards Houston. The remainder of the trip was fine though.

Once arriving in the afternoon for a change, I didn’t have to wait very long to get picked up to go to the show. There was a number of people there that I hadn’t seen at a Houston show in probably a year or more. And it was great to see my friends again. Once again, making me feel like I have a new home there if I wanted it.

Dr. Froth however, needed to take a side trip to someone’s home to gather up some music gear. And as he was loading it, I looked down at the driver’s seat and saw a paper sitting there. It was the set list for SIX MINUTE CENTURY.

I tried so very hard not to look at it, but I had already seen a few songs. Songs that I would have already figured that they were going to play at the beginning of the show. But deep down I did wonder whether they were going to play “Zero Hour” or not. With great restraint, I was able to resist.

The opening band was Infidel Rising, from Dallas. I was blown away at their talent. From their amazing drummer all the way up to their lead singer’s vocal abilities. I mean… I was just floored!!!

Their drummer had an amazing style of how he played. And I think that everyone there noticed it.

They proclaimed themselves to be prog metal, but I could see them fitting into all sorts of sub-categories. I really do want to give them another chance to make sure. They return to Houston in June, playing with Masqued. How I would love to go!!! 

SIX MINUTE CENTURY took the stage for what was going to be about two hours in length. Something I had never experienced before. The moment that they began to play, something went far back into the wrinkles of my brain and found the pleasure centers as well as memory factors and just bombed the hell out of it. The hair on my arms stood up and my spine went through one hell of a shiver.

This was the band that I remembered. This was the band that I led the charge for. And I was there for it all.

The crowd as well as the band began a silent countdown in their minds to midnight. And at that point, it would be officially Chuck’s birthday. As he kept saying. “I’m 22. Twice (or again)”

Surprisingly enough, the alcohol did not flow as much as it has in Aprils past.

This was a genius idea!

There were a few chants and shouts and a couple of drinks brought to the stage.

They played both of their April 19th tunes. Also noting that the Oklahoma City bombing was already 20 years ago. Time is certainly flying at a speed that nobody really believed possible!

And the party continued on and on and on.

I was actually anticipating someone to start singing the Birthday Song, but nobody attempted it. It was disappointing, actually.

I sure as hell was not going to sing. Had I started that up, people would have insisted I get on stage. And that just wasn’t going to happen.

But I don’t think that Chuck Williams can complain. Or SIX MINUTE CENTURY for that matter.

Towards the end of their set,  I heard the sounds of the helicopter and I knew exactly what that meant.

Chuck Williams stepped up again to the microphone and dedicated the song “Zero Hour” to me.

The band nailed it. They nailed most of the night. “Zero Hour” however, it was just as perfect as one could get it. From an audience point of view.

After that eargasm, Chuck walked closed to the edge of the stage where I was sitting and I shouted “Love you brother!”

Chuck Williams response was reciprocation as he spoke softly but directly into the microphone.

The show was one of their best successes in years. At least since I had started to arrive at shows in Houston back in 2011.

Rob Lowe (right) joins Chuck Williams and the rest of SIX MINUTE CENTURY

Then the big finish was NOT their usual performance of “Perfect Picture” but rather a cover. And this had Robert Lowe joining them all on stage for double vocals on the microphone.

I had never actually heard nor seen Robert Lowe perform live. I had heard some of his other recorded work with bands such as Candlemass and Solitude Aeturnus. But never thought about hearing him sing live.

 

SIX MINUTE CENTURY may be returning to Vintage Pub on Independence Day this year. I have my doubts to make that show. But the Dr. Froth Birthday Extravaganza will be the 29th of August. And that’s the one show that comes with a heavy price to pay upon my head if I miss it. Put there by the House of Froth.

Vintage Pub however seemed to turn on its customers when the music was all said and done.

“Last Call” was announced and they just simply changed the genre of music over from rock and roll and heavy metal to hip hop and R&B……. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, over?

A late spring thunderstorm hit with plenty of thunder and the pouring of rain, and Vintage Pub is screaming at everyone to get the hell out.

There was one waitress that I kept staring at the whole night. I never got close during any time. But at the end of the night, she walked right by and got a close up to see who I was dealing with. The “cool idea” of getting a photograph with her was abandoned. Chances are that I will never see her again.

By the time I had left with Dr. Froth, the rain had stopped. A fresh coat of simple wet was applied to everything.

The following morning, I got ready to check out of the hotel and get on with my travel back home. I left a little early to catch something to eat at the Smokehouse place directly next door. I had failed to notice a few signs though.

It was closed. They had moved to another location. And now instead of my plan of just waiting for under an hour for the bus to arrive. I had to kill over two hours.

Then the bus was late. By almost a full hour.  Other passengers who were waiting were talking about some bicycle ride that was happening from Houston to Austin. It was their theory as to why the bus was late.

It wasn’t a theory, it was fact. With road closures and detours, we simply had a late bus.

By then, my arms and hands began to hurt. Probably from bracing myself from the bus impact the day before. My right hand and wrist blew up like a balloon and pain was radiating all the way up to the elbow. Others who were also there to experience that were talking about being sore in general terms.

By the time the bus had reached the destination, it was able to shave off several minutes of being late. Not many though.

I took off again on my own to try and get home. But that bicycle race was right there. I mean literally the next block over.  Delays and cancellations. It took me an hour and a half to find a functioning city bus stop to climb on board in order to get home. I had been in town for well over TWO hours before I even got home.

Bookmarked by misery, the enjoyment of the show was something to behold. Cannot wait to see what August brings. But some changes on my behalf will have to be made.

9 August 2014: Pork And Beans with SIX MINUTE CENTURY

“That duck is NOT a puppet!”~ Dr. Froth

It was time again for another episode of “Dambreaker Goes to See SIX MINUTE CENTURY.” and it just seemed like it had been so friggin’ long since the last time I went. I mean, I was there in Houston in May but not for SIX MINUTE CENTURY but I was there to go into the recording studios for the new project by Dr. Froth and Robert Lowe (of Candlemass and Solitute Aeturnus fame.)

This however, was a SIX MINUTE CENTURY journey. And it would be one of the very best times I’ve had while in Houston in a very long time. There was very little to no disappointment in this journey and I was thankful for that.

However I still will take this opportunity to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Dr. Froth & Mikey Lewis of SIX MINUTE CENTURY. When your birthdays arrive, I hope that they are wonderful times for you. Thank you for allowing me to share in the celebrations with you.

I must say that I will be looking for some kind of change. The fact that I am taking the bus back and forth is something that I cannot avoid and therefore I am going to need to change and do something different in order to keep myself from going insane from boredom for 2-3 hours each way. I still do not know how these bus drivers can be so behind schedule when departing and then end up way ahead of schedule when arriving. I can come up with no other theory than they are going way beyond the posted speed limits on the highways.

Nonetheless, I was supposed to arrive in Houston at 10:45 AM, but got there around 10:30 AM instead. After being up since 5:00 AM and not used to that, I was so tired and all I wanted to do was crash in the hotel room and just veg for the rest of the morning and afternoon until it was time to go to the show. But my arrival at the hotel next door was not prepared. The staff knew who I was but they did not have anything ready and they were going to have to make a special request to housekeeping to get them to clean a specific room so that I could check-in and be done with that and then I could rest and go back to sleep.

Sadly, all of that crap took an hour or more to get completed. The person at the front desk said that she specifically placed me into a room that had a mini-fridge and a microwave because she knew that my reservation was for two nights and if I wanted to go out to eat and bring back left overs that I would have that opportunity to store it and then heat it up when I wanted to eat again. Totally considerate I’d say.

After a few hours of sleep, I woke up with really bad back pain.

The bed was lumpy.

After a suggestion by Mrs. Froth, I went back to the front desk to complain about the bed being uncomfortable and I noted that I’ve been going to their hotel every time I come on my own to Houston, which is 3-4 or even 5 times a year for the past three years. They understood and did change my room. But then again, that was another hour of waiting.

I wasn’t able to sleep after that. My back was just out of whack. So I sat there awaiting word from either Dr. or Mrs. Froth about what time they were stopping by the hotel to pick me up. After that information received, I sat back and relaxed watching HDTV and cable. Something that I do NOT have at home.

After sooooo many times of watching the same commercial ads time and time again, I just was wishing that there was something else to do that was outside of the hotel room. But I’m not going back to the Harris County Smokehouse. That place sucks. I’ve complained about the establishment in previous posts. Its a shame too because it smells good from the outside every time I am there. 

As I was saying, so many commercials for Shark Week and a new television show called “4th And Loud” which is about an arena football team in Los Angeles that was bought by the rock band, KISS.

As stated before, I don’t have cable, so it appeared to me to be yet another one of those reality programs that will either sink or swim. Who knows what will become of it. I don’t know. The only thing that I really remember was watching some football player in the locker room exclaiming “I piss awesome.”

Ummm, really?!?

You know, if I tried to say that in public I would be an immediate outcast.

How do you PISS awesome actually??

Then finally I was able to find something that I could relate to and enjoy watching until it was time to leave.

I have always been a fan of the show Pawn Stars. Mainly because I think its interesting to see what things have enormous value and what things have little to no value at all. 

Some of the customers though are just clueless though.

Yeah, I realize that they are in there because they want money. And they probably have some kind of amount in mind that they want. But if there’s someone appraising your item for big bucks, and you are inside of a pawn shop, you have GOT to realize that whatever that appraiser says the value is… that is NOT the amount you are going to get for it. Ever!

I could go on forever about pawn shop customers. Hell, I’ve been one a time or two or a thousand.

But it was time to go to the show.

The moment that I saw Dr. & Mrs. Froth show up as I met them outside the front lobby of the hotel I was immediately reminded about how much these two individuals meant to me in my life… in all aspects of it. All of that came to mind and I hadn’t even gotten inside of the vehicle yet.

But we arrived and it was time to make with the party and whats nots.

Vicious Cycle was a band that I’ve seen before. Both at home and in Houston. However I had never heard of Masqued.

Strangely enough I realized that I was standing not that far away from Steffany, the lead singer when I looked up. I took some photographs with her and thanked her. 

And then the surprise of the evening was when the succubus came straight up to me and greeted me. She hugged me and pressed her cheek against mine. Asked how long I had been in town and what not. Then smiled and walked away saying that it was good to see me again.

I nodded. And I proved that I can still keep my cool with a situation that I honestly let go of a while back mentally. There’s nothing in the rules that state she has to even acknowledge me. But she did.

Then it was on with the show!

Masqued was first up on stage. Without knowing anything about them, I didn’t know what to expect so I was watching with anticipation and a bit of blindness.

They weren’t bad at all. Then I understood that this was their very first show. And I was very confused as to whether they meant the first show at BFE Rock Club or if it was their first show EVER as a band live. I still am confused!

Either way, it wasn’t bad.

SIX MINUTE CENTURY then came up on stage and took a little more than an hour and fifteen minutes of awesomeness. I will say that when they performed “Baptized In Flames” it was the VERY BEST sounding performance of that song since they debuted it back at Acadia Sports Bar & Grill in November 2012. To which I will mention was recorded and posted on YouTube if you want to check it out. The back of my head is visible at points during that video. Good luck and enjoy!!

Still it was the best that they’ve ever played it. Hell, they even went back and played my absolute, ultimate, supreme, most favorite song “Zero Hour” from the first album. It had been a very long time since I have heard them play it live. Guitarist Don LaFon told me in 2012 that “Zero Hour” was now MY song. I couldn’t believe it. But they now have a new album out called “Wasted Time” which came out in October 2013, so the old stuff was shelved and now they focus on the new material.

My point is that I got to hear it again. Its just too bad that the sound technician is deaf or blind or just plain dumb because the sound levels during Masqued were just fine, people said. But once SIX MINUTE CENTURY got on stage, the guy screwed with the volume and it pissed off a lot of the fans and other customers of the bar.

I didn’t even get my “Zero Hour Hug” from Mrs. Froth after they finished performing “Zero Hour” …. it was THAT loud that it pushed certain family/friends/fans away from the front of the stage. And it was still too damned loud. Every time that SIX MINUTE CENTURY would play that song, I would get a hug from Mrs. Froth… because she knows that it was her MySpace profile with that song posted on it that got me started into the fanaticism for the band. Thus the reason for posting every time I go to see them live.

But after a lengthy set on stage… it was one of the better shows performed by the band in a long, long time.

I even had the waitress who was trying to hustle Jell-O shots to sit on my lap for about two minutes and even take a photo with me during the set. Mainly because I kept buying at least one each time she walked by. Jell-O shots for $1… ehh, cannot go wrong I guess. it’s better than paying $14 for one drink in which one person unfortunately had the displeasure of doing. Eventually though, the waitress wasn’t just walking by any more. She was coming right for me after a few rounds of successfully getting me to buy a shot. She tried about three times with me as I said no before I crumbled and finally said yes. I’m not quite sure how much I spent on them alone. I just know that someone else there was buying twice as many Jell-O shots as I was. So I think she did good by the end of the night.

So when SIX MINUTE CENTURY was finished, I found everyone hanging outside in the patio area in the back of the club. The sound had driven every last one of them out there and still the volumes were so loud. Even in between bands when they were just playing the radio or a CD or jukebox or whatever it was. Insane amounts of unnecessary volume.

Vicious Cycle rounded up the end of the night. Members of ECHO TEMPLE were there to support them. And I always think its cool to have bands support other bands. Plus I got to see ECHO TEMPLE and socialize with them a bit.

After a few more Jell-O shots and some other horror stories that were shared by patrons and friends about the sound… it was time to go. I connected with the waitress and started a nice friendship.

As we waited for the decision to leave, I began to take photographs with certain people. Don LaFon’s company was very insisting that she and I take a photograph together all night long. So this was her chance. But she kept getting awkward with bending and kneeling and squatting and hovering until I finally yelled at her to sit down. Insinuating down on my lap.

So she did, but she got totally nervous about it… assuming that she was going to get “in trouble” for it.

Umm… its only a photo.

My camera however had plans of its own. At the time I did not know what was going on. But the camera would not work. I kept thinking that the person who was asked to take the photograph was inept as it took many failed attempts to take just one photograph.

Suddenly out of nowhere the succubus jumped in to the left side of me, inserting herself into the shot.

I already had one person on my lap and now she’s jumping into the shot, I pulled her closer towards me with my arm around her and my hand consequently on her ass.

But the person operating the camera could not get it to work. And it frustrated me because here was the chance to get that photograph that I had wanted so long ago. Just one photograph but I guess she lost patience with the situation and she walked away.

The photograph was taken, but by someone else’s cell phone. And it had to be e-mailed to me. But by then the succubus was long gone.

At the very end of the night, I realized that I needed to change batteries.

I love that LISAFAYECHARDONNAY gave me this camera as a gift. But damn, it sucks up a lot of battery juice fast and the batteries inside get super hot too if you leave the shutter open, and that also messes with the performance of the camera, making it assume that the batteries are dying when the fact is that they are just too hot.

The succubus came back and again hugged and pressed against my cheek and wished me a safe journey back home. I mentioned that I figured out what the problem was with the camera and she said in response, “Oh, that’s too bad.”

I asked her if she wanted to re-take it. She said NO. I asked a few more times and she kept shaking her head. I finally just waved at her and she walked out of the bar. Lots of people that either saw it happen or heard about it have had their opinions. None of which are positive. Oh well. She behaved with the affectionate greetings that I just was not expecting.

After all that non-excitement, we took off for the IHOP that is directly across the highway from the hotel that I always stay in. There was five of us there in total. Small, but just cozy enough. 

Behind us was a much larger party of eight or more. I didn’t honestly take time to count. They were quite noisy and loud. And you knew exactly what they were doing there and where they had been before.

One of them was stretching out by leaning his chair back. It proved to be a mistake as he ended up tipping backwards and landing on the floor. And he just sat there in his chair staring at the ceiling.  I leaned back too far and then WHOOOOOOPS!!!! Down he went.

It was at this time I wondered how much better we would have done had we gone to Denny’s instead. But IHOP is fine. Geographically speaking, its perfect.

Christina Applegate (left) & Milla Jovovich (right)

Then finally I was back at the hotel after 3:00 AM, closer to 4:00 AM.

I would then find the old re-runs of “Married With Children” on television. But why so late/early??

I found this episode which starred a VERY VERY YOUNG Milla Jovovich.. who would become famous many years later for her role in the Resident Evil film series.

And when I say young, I mean only about fourteen years old. Christina Applegate who plays Kelly Bundy at this time the episode was made was about 17 or 18 years old at the time.

Jovovich played the part of a foreign exchange student from Paris, France and the Bundy family readily welcomed her into their home so that she could study in the United States. But when Jovovich became too popular too quick and started to take the attention off of Kelly Bundy, Kelly then struck back to get the attention back on her by sabotaging her.

I went to sleep in peace knowing that I had a great time with SIX MINUTE CENTURY and knowing that I was not going to have to rush to get out of the hotel and over to get on a bus so early in the morning. The last time that happened, I only had a few hours and I could not afford to go to sleep. And still dozed off a few times, I was damned lucky I made the bus. But I won’t be doing that any more.

The next day I was free to do whatever I wanted. I could sleep as long as I wanted. And I would end up going to the House of Froth and just hanging out with everyone, including their baby son Merlin who is getting so big. He’s crawling everywhere and grabbing a hold of things to stand up. But then he falls down and usually backwards and bumps his little head.

Dr. Froth had other ideas for that day. That afternoon he cooked some fabulous food. He said he loves to cook but doesn’t get a lot of leisure time to do so. If you EVER have a chance to eat any of Dr. Froth’s cooking, you will NOT be disappointed!!!

Then he sat down with me and began to record video with me by his side. Then we went outside and he kind of interviewed me about the project that he is working on that I got to be in the recording studio for this last May.

And that was on purpose.

Many of you people seem to think I’m just messing around. That its not happening or that I wasn’t ever in the recording studio. His update on the project, which was his fifth…. showcases me as proof and evidence that I HAVE been participating in this project. And for those of you who have been so negative about it? Go look it up… and then when you find it and realize that I have been telling the truth all this time, I’ll accept your apologies right before I let you kiss my ass.

“Gathered In Darkness” has the great potential of being picked up by a super major recording label, mainly because the name of Robert Lowe is attached to this project. And since I did a little voice over work on it, I can honestly be telling the truth if I wanted to say that I am on a major record label. That’s if this project does get picked up by one. And it is possible to happen but we’ll just wait and see.

So I did all of that and got to hang out with the rest of the family until it started to get dark.

I sat back at the hotel and watched the ending of a film called “Blue Caprice” in which I am guessing was about the D.C. Sniper. Dr. Froth and I had just talked about the fictional situation of a pregnant woman being killed in relations to other things. But apparently that was part of this film. It was unnerving.

After that I went to bed at a decent hour before having to wake up early again to return home. With what I thought was sufficient rest, I returned home Monday morning… but then soon crashed.

Like I said at the beginning, it was a visit that had no problems to deal with. I was glad it was problem-free.

The next possible time I will be back is for the TENTH anniversary of SIX MINUTE CENTURY which will be in October.

I’m just glad that I had a great time with no problem and made new friends. Special thanks go out to Dr. & Mrs. Froth as well as Jose “Angel” Martinez to make this trip possible.

The Moistness Of The Mad Masses

Robert Lowe (vocalist for Candlemass, Solitude Aeturnus)

“Somehow, magically, I’ve become an electronic musician, and I have a recording studio that looks like the bridge of the Enterprise.”~ Moby

Wow. It’s been a few weeks since the great big explosion of excitement, fun, terror, and moistitude over the course of one weekend happening in Houston, Texas.

Allow me to follow up from a blog post that was written on the 5th of May.

Dr. Froth has continued on his journey on his new concept album, “Gathered In Darkness” and I found myself swimming in great fortune that I am a part of it.

The chanting, the singing, the music, the voice over work in the recording studio… it all made for an excellent time. I found myself realizing how much fun it can be to go into the recording studio and doing what people do as far as voice over artists as well as vocalists and musicians.

http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/former-candlemass-singer-robert-lowe-working-on-gathered-in-darkness-concept-album/

For those of you who enjoy this kind of music, you’ll be happy and pleased with the above article.

For those of you who do not know what I am talking about. Basically, I spent a weekend to lend the talent of my voice upon this album. Dr. Froth PERSONALLY invited me to join him to work on this adventure. Talk about honor and flattery.

Dr. Froth would go on to say that he couldn’t imagine any of this happening without the help and assistance of all of his friends. 

Signed, sealed, delivered…. and I have now recorded inside of a live recording studio. Dr. Froth intentionally saving a few voice over parts for me to choose from, so that I can tell everyone “That’s me!” when I am speaking on the album.

Working though with Dr. Froth AND Robert Lowe from such fame as Solitude Aeturnus, and Candlemass only to find out that Robert Lowe won Swedish awards back a few years ago that are the equivalent to a Grammy.

Along with others such as James Rivera from Helstar, and many others locally such as Chuck Williams, Marc Petillon just to name a few made for a kick ass experience. Busting balls with Scott Fisher was pretty fun as well, he’s the guitarist for Winter’s End. 

 

The fact that I am on a record along with James Rivera, Chuck Williams, and Robert Lowe is definitely a mind blow for me. There are no words that describe my excitement having that knowledge.

There are many, many other names on this album. Members from The Scourge, Fluid Frequency, SIX MINUTE CENTURY, WELL OF SOULS, and many others…. I just cannot believe my luck on this.

It is probably the coolest thing that I have ever done in my entire life since the two commercials I made when I was under the age of 10 in the state of Arkansas.

Updates are regularly posted by Dr. Froth as he continues on his sweet melodic adventure, and the weekend that I spent both recording and hanging out with the House of Froth was a great time. Adding an extra day was the best idea that I came up with.

The latest update, I found myself included. See if YOU can find me. “WHERE’S DAMBREAKER?”

Let’s see who can do it, and who cannot!! I may even throw in a prize for those who can. Of course anyone who was there is excluded or anyone that I have already told would obviously be excluded.

But sure– let’s do it. Who can find me????? 

Since then, I have been stuck listening to the sounds of Solitude Aeturnus.

I’m becoming obsessed with this one:

With “Gathered In Darkness” though, I was thrilled and amazed when I got to hear the whole story. YOU will have to buy the album when it comes out. That’s all I will say about that. And I’m pretty sure about this, but I was the only person that went into that recording studio, did what I had to do in there, and walked out… only to be met by applause by the crowds of people who were in the booth.

How about THAT?!??

The value of my autograph just went up.

 

Gathered In Darkness

“I don’t have a formal home recording studio, but I can record tracks on my computer upstairs in my office.”~Huey Lewis

I am just a few short weeks away from embarking on a brand new journey which will take me to an experience not yet had before.

And I can barely contain myself!!

Words are just not there to describe how excited that I am to know that soon I will again go to Houston and instead of enjoying live music by any of several bands there that I enjoy, I will be in the creative process of making music by the direction of Dr. Froth and his brand new project called “Gathered In Darkness.”

Yes, you read correctly. I shall be inside of the record studio and on the other side of the glass recording whatever it is that needs to be recorded.

You don’t know what I am talking about?

Well read about it here, here, and here.

Did you see? I told you!!! This project is happening and its making waves and getting noticed. And it just blows my mind that I am going to be a part of it, no matter how large or small the part. I still will be able to connect myself to this.  

Not since my days of being a part of F.M.R. have I been this thrilled and honored at the same time. And terribly excited to actually get to do something as cool as this.

My endless thanks goes out to Dr. Froth for his request that I partake in this adventure with him. My heart knows no ends to my appreciation that he would decide to include me in this.

More squealing updates as they become available. You should also follow Dr. Froth’s blog as well if you want to know what the down and the low is on the project.

http://millsap.wordpress.com/

ROCK ON, BROTHERS AND SISTERS!!! I’m about to be a recorded entity soon. And on the same album as big time names in music today.

Full Spectrum: Part I- Celebrating A Life

Dr. & Mrs. Froth

“Don’t tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results.”~ George S. Patton

I was going to call this post “Surprise,  Surprise” but in the next blog that is upcoming, you’ll understand why I have taken this and broken it down into two parts.

However, I did something that was totally not all that characteristic of what I do but I was totally glad that I did it. It was SOOOOOOOOOOOO WORTH IT!!!!!

Dr. and Mrs. Froth are expecting a son in January 2014.

This past weekend, was a shindig AND a hooten-nanny all in one. But this was more for Dr. Froth than it was for Mrs. Froth. A little different, hey… a party is a party, right?!?

So in my usual communication ritual with Mrs. Froth, I had begun to feel absolutely worthless based on the fact that I didn’t think that I could pull it off.

But then something that I’m not quite sure that I should be calling a miracle happened.

I was GIVEN the money to go ahead and attend this party. So then I got with the hostess and the so-called coordinator and said that I was coming. But it was agreed upon that my attendance at this party would be kept a secret until I just simply showed up.

That’s exactly what I did. For a guest list that did RSVP close to 30 people in one house for a party, besides myself there were only three others that knew I was coming. Everyone else took in the surprise ……. including Dr. & Mrs. Froth.

When I arrived, the looks on the Froth faces were absolutely perfect, not to mention priceless. I’ve never seen a woman seven months pregnant move so fast with such gusto and excitement in order to greet me.

Everyone who knew who I was, which was a majority, was totally blown away that I was there.

I was able to be with my friends and celebrate this expected child of Froth. I believe that the child is referred to as the Spawn.

Food, great company, lots of laughs, a few tears when it was over and I was heading home. But damned well worth the secrecy.

I’ve never been good with those kinds of secrets. I’ve always broken down and told someone which ruined the surprise in some fashion. But this time, I was able to pull it off and probably earn myself Friend of the Year Award. Yep, it was that important to Dr. & Mrs. Froth that I was there to share with them. Even though they had no clue that I was coming and several times of being told that they wished I could be there.

Be careful for what you wish for! Just saying……

A little different as we were not out all hours of the night as we normally would be if I was in town for a show. I was able to reach the hotel and get something they call sleep. Or rest.

I woke up early still, so I watched more re-runs of “Married With Children” just like I had three weeks ago when I was there last. Then I hopped on the bus and almost the entire trip had to listen to some stupid group of people argue over the Twilight movie franchise and its characters and what they can and cannot do …………. sexually!!!

Really? First world problems are whether or not vampires can bang each other????

Thankfully I had the sense to bring along the new album of SIX MINUTE CENTURY with me and drown those bastards out!

Yet the party was so much fun. I got to go into the “forbidden” rehearsal room of WELL OF SOULS while they were practicing and listen for a bit. Apparently wives/girlfriends aren’t even allowed in there, and some how I got through. But I think I am beginning to stamp my VIP pass a little too hard because I did receive the stink eye from a lot of people.

I still had fun surprising everyone there at the party. That was truly a blast to have been able to accomplish it. Even though I was so tempted to tease The family of Froth with text messages while I was waiting to be picked up to go to the party.

And you know what? I’d do it again all over again if I had to!!!

So when that time comes, I’ll be back again soon to see this wonderment of child.

And even TODAY, the 11th of November, is their wedding anniversary. So HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!!

 

SIX MINUTE CENTURY – “Wasting Time”

SIX MINUTE CENTURY 

Chuck Williams- Lead Vocals
Don LaFon- Guitars, keyboards, and sequencing
Dr. Froth- NSStick
Mikey Lewis- Drums

“If you wouldn’t fist the mallard 24 hours a day you might get some work done. That duck is not a puppet, son.”~ Dr. Froth

Its been a very long time coming.

The arrival of the new album by SIX MINUTE CENTURY is now upon us. Spreading mirth and moistitude.

“Wasting Time” has more meaning behind it than any other album title I have ever seen. Especially if you ask the members of the band or their family and friends.

The album gives the listeners something different than what was on their first album. The progression of the overall talent of the band.

Even with a few changes in the band with Dr. Froth on the NSStick, the departure of Darren Davis, and Mikey Lewis (from Helstar) taking over on drums. These guys have come a very long way to prove that they are not some fly by night band that just plays whatever music they think will appeal to the masses. Instead they have opened their selves up to a total world of improvement and excellence.

As a fan that has seen them play live so many times (almost every time) some of the tracks on the album are recognizable. The rest of them serve as a treat to the listeners and it just blows your mind away into a far, far, far away place of elation, and overall a sense of total eargasm. 

Thanks to a much darker tone and feel by vocal front man Chuck Williams and his mind which has sprung forth the most intense and dark song lyrics; it is definitely a step away from their previous work.

Tracks such as “Last Days In Paradise” and “Hell’s Gate” is very fetching to say the least. I find myself wanting to know more…. wanting to research these stories. Even if they creep me out.

Songs like “City of Hope”, “Killing Fields”, and “Baptized in Flames” takes the listener on a journey through times since passed and surrounds you with such a unique sense that you want to listen to it over and over and over again. The album is full of both melodies and savagery with their songs which cover subject matter of recent history.

The kick ass riffs done by Don LaFon throughout much of the album makes things memorable.

Dr. Froth as well with his intense style of play is also given a bit or two of feature to many tracks on the album as he is put up front on a number of tracks, and from what I am understanding, he wrote one of the songs on the album. I have a new found respect for the man.

Actually, my respect for everyone involved has grown.  

This quartet of music geniuses have collided and gelled together to make “Wasting Time” a very much desired thing to listen to.

There are other reviews out there, more professional than in this blog, and they too agree when they are given either 3 or 4 out of 4 stars, or even 4 out of 5.

It will be available through Amazon and other online outlets, as well as through their record label, Nightmare Records.

SIX MINUTE CENTURY will celebrate their album release on the 19^th of October at BFE Rock Club in Houston, Texas. If you are within a few hundred miles of Houston, this will be a show that you will NOT want to miss. It will be worth the drive, trust me.

 

10 August 2013: Dr. Froth’s Birthday Extravaganza

“You come pointing guns in the direction of my wife, my kids, damn it I’ll meet you at the door any time. And I’m sorry some of you guys got shot but uh hey, God will have to sort that out, won’t he?”~ David Koresh

Twas once again for the most excellent and moist birthday extravaganza of Dr. Froth. This year, drummer Mikey Lewis was also included in the celebrations.

My extended time in Houston however was slowly slipping away. With only ONE MORE show to attend and just a few hours of sleep, then I would be hitting the road to return home. And 99% of the time, when I am on that lonely road returning… I’m in tears.

However, I had to have a change in thinking as I just spent the night before with ECHO TEMPLE and was about to spend the evening with SIX MINUTE CENTURY. There’s not too many times in the world that I can say that I have done that.

Trying to “sleep in” at a hotel, in a bed that is unfamiliar, is almost impossible. Almost.

I finally woke up, my ears still ringing from all the sound and music the night before, and left there to lay with NO motivation whatsoever.

And then The Weather Channel caught my eye as they were talking about hurricanes. Now, hurricanes aren’t really my forté, of course tornadoes are, but ehh… I had a shit load of time to kill before the show.

And then there was some kind of Top 5 of all disastrous hurricanes of all time. 3 out of 5 hurricanes, I either had heard about or knew about when it happened. But of course, I couldn’t have known #1.

Unfortunately, I cannot remember all five of them. Hurricane Andrew started it off at #5 and then #2 was Hurricane Katrina. And really, for the number one spot, they only had two choices. The Great Storm of 1900 or Hurricane Sandy.

#1 was the Great Storm of 1900 in Galveston, Texas.

After that, there was a small documentary on that same storm in Galveston that happened on the 8th of September in the year 1900. And I actually found myself drawn into the program. Mainly because I know that SIX MINUTE CENTURY has a song about that storm that I enjoy hearing played live.

After all of that, my body decided to inform me that it was hungry. So I reluctantly went next door to the Harris County Smokehouse.  

I say that I was reluctant because in April, I went there for breakfast and just was not impressed at all. But this time, was for lunch. For whatever reason I had hoped that lunch would be better than breakfast.

Such consequences I received for hoping.

The image to the right here is what I ordered, taken with the cell phone. Can you guess what the heck it is??

Whatever your guess may be– you’re dead wrong. It was butt load of gravy!!!! And something underneath it.

I was just so disappointed in it all. I knew that they had some merchandise and I usually will buy a t-shirt or something but I refused to do it after having a SECOND disappointing meal. As a matter of fact, the image that you see here wasn’t too far off from what was left on the plate as I left it sitting there on the table, totally disgusted. I just moved away from the table and left it all there.

As I returned to my hotel room, I noticed that even more programs on hurricanes were happening on The Weather Channel. And eventually realized that they were celebrating Hurricane Week. I think it was in an all-out battle for ratings against the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week. Of which, I am selachophobic and you’ll NEVER find Me watching it. Even if you put a gun to my head… I will be instructing you to pull the damned trigger because its NOT happening.

But SHOWTIME was free. It was just really hit and miss though. The night before was “Saw” but it was on too late and I was about to crash.  

Saturday afternoon though offered a very strange film. I had missed the first few minutes of it but quickly caught on to its plot…. which wasn’t much at all.

A sort of horror film where the killer was flowing electricity. Strange stuff, I tell you!!!

By the time it ended, my brain was totally numb.

Then I crashed on the bed again for a quick nap. After that I was picked up to go to the show by Dr. & Mrs. Froth.

I had NO filter and NO hesitancy to inform them both that Harris County Smokehouse was a huge disappointment and that I would suggest never to go in there to eat.

After that, I gave my offerings to Frothtonomy’s Froktar. I had asked Dr. Froth what was going to be an acceptable offering. He said mangos.

Then I asked Mrs. Froth secretly what Dr. Froth’s food was. Even though I missed out on the mangos, I got the cheese which was not exactly cheap.

I then dropped over to Dr. Froth a gift card for him and his wife to eat at their favorite Applebee’s location. Told him “Happy Birthday!” and then we pressed on.

I suddenly began to wonder if the redheaded succubus was going to show up. She had said that she was not showing up for ECHO TEMPLE but was going to be there for SIX MINUTE CENTURY. But my curiosity, I kept to myself at that point. Not that her batting average was speaking volumes though.

Dr. Froth offered cheeseburgers because everyone was hungry. And it was a good choice since I walked out on my abortion of a lunch.

Swinging through the driveway, I had forgotten that Dr. Froth throws his voice and does “The Old Man” into the intercom.

When the employee repeated the order back and had it all correct, Dr. Froth said, “Oh Sweet Jesus, yes!” and then hilarity ensued.  

“Did you say you wanted a sweet tea too?” was heard over the intercom.

I lost it. I laughed until my sides were hurting.

We cruised down the road and Dr. Froth offered the latest tracks that was being recorded and mastered for the new album.

Being a VIP Centurion definitely has its perks!!!

We entered in and then I had found out that I was on the Guest List for the evening. So things were getting better and better.

The show was for sure a long hard fought battle as the bands that were to play that night kept changing. I was there behind the scenes when this band said NO and that band said YES, then said NO. It was all ridiculous.

But I think everything was a good fit in the end.

I asked Mrs. Froth if she was going to pull me out of danger if I got into trouble. And this woman cares enough about me to look me dead straight in the eye and threaten to kick my ass if I got into trouble. That’s love right there!!! Friends that care enough for you to slap you into next week for doing something that you already knew was stupid before you started doing it.

Since I knew that she was true to her word, I dared not tempt fate. And besides, the succubus NEVER showed. But it was to NO surprise to anyone.

ETERNAL ECHOES got on stage first. A three piece band who has been practicing and playing together for a while now. But they do not have a lead singer or anyone on vocals as of yet.

Dr. Froth and an artist interpretation of Willis.

They asked Dr. Froth to come on stage because they had a birthday gift for him. When he approached on stage, he was floored to find a wonderful piece of art work which went along with the Frothtonomy mythology. Willis, the pumpkin god.

Two young women worked on it together. And it looked great.

ETERNAL ECHOES would play on. And it was then that I watched lead singer for SIX MINUTE CENTURY and his beautiful wife to approach the stage area closer. After all, their son Aaron was the guitarist and the one making much of the announcements during their set.

They mentioned that they were looking for a lead singer for their band. And that this was their SECOND gig ever!!! And that they were hopeful to find someone able to do vocals.

Dr. Froth actually teased me about how I should go for it and be their lead singer. I asked Chuck Williams what he thought and he gave his blessing on it. So I am actually REALLY considering it. I just have to get moved down there first.

Nobody saw this coming. Even the members of ETERNAL ECHOES thought I was talking in jest.

Dr. Froth then climbed on stage. The next band was called DISCIPLES OF FROKTAR.

This was Dr. Froth’s solo effort that was swiftly put together by musicians coming from other bands (such as WELL OF SOULS) and joining forces to make one bad ass sounding group!!!

Nobody really knew what to expect. But nobody was disappointed either. This was a group of guys that got together and made it sound like they had been playing this material for years and years. Its the kind of instrumental group that I WOULD pay $75 or more for ticket to see them play.

In between songs, I screamed out “HAIL FROKTAR!” and poor Dr. Froth didn’t see it coming. He was sipping some water and when I shouted… I made him choke on the water.

Damn. Ugh, sorry brother!

He got up on a microphone and responded with “HAIL WILLIS!” and all was right with the world again. But I still felt like shit because I could have waited until he was finished drinking his water.

Lessons learned.

After that SIX MINUTE CENTURY got on stage and did what they had to do to melt everyone’s faces off.

At least the few people that were there. Trust me, I was totally pissed off about the fact that so few people were there. And it really irritated me to the point where I thought that once I returned home, I was going to jump on the soap box about it.

Evil Reign from San Antonio was after that. And I had hoped that they would not continue to announce where they were from, like the three piece band from the night before. That just got annoying. But Evil Reign, I bought a t-shirt and Dr. Froth got me a koozie. Awesome!!!

Then I realized that this was probably going to be my LAST show for SIX MINUTE CENTURY. Then it was announced that the new album would be released on the 15th of October of THIS year. And that they planned on having a release party on the 19th.

Later on, the family of Froth mentioned to me that they would take care of accommodations for me because I needed to be at that show. It was something that I just could not miss. So I will have at least one MORE show coming soon. Less than ten weeks from the time that I write this blog post.

When I got back to the hotel, there was no reason for me to go to sleep, since I was supposed to return for home at 7:55 AM. A couple of hours of sleep probably would have helped, but I just didn’t want to take the chance of absolutely crashing out and then sleeping in so late that I missed my bus ride home.

It would turn out to be almost an hour late arriving where I was and caused me to arrive home late about 20 minutes. Which was wild. The trip always started out a bit late, but would always gain back time. These drivers had to be smoking the gas pedal.

Sleep was to come at last after I made all contacts that I had to make once I got home. And again, I was reminded that outside of the show in October, this was going to be it. No more SIX MINUTE CENTURY shows for quite some time.

Its going to suck for sure.

But this last trip, I was glad to have made it. Even with the extra night, it was fantastic.

Dr. Froth’s Birthday Extravaganzas are ALWAYS a hit!!!!

 

 

 

9 November 2012: Baptized In Flames Of Six Minute Century

 

“If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun.”~ Katharine Hepburn

My fourth show this year. My sixth show in two years, and overall. I have become VERY fortunate  that I have been able to go to yet another great show by SIX MINUTE CENTURY.

I was so pumped from Dr. Froth’s Birthday Extravaganza back in August that the very next day after I returned home, I made hotel reservations to be able to go to this November show.

Unlike the catastrophe in June, I went to another hotel chain. I arrived at the Motel 6. After all, I’m not there to live in it. I am there to have a place to crash.

I’ve tried different hotel chains in the past. This one by far was the least expensive for two nights. I paid with a $100 bill and still got change! Try that once in a while!!

There were a few things that were upsetting about it. They were in the midst of remodeling their second floor. Luckily I was not located there, but there was a lot of in and out and a lot of things just dropped off on the floors where it became an obstacle course inside of the hotel lobby and the hallways leading to the rooms.

The most disturbing thing that I found inside my hotel room was the fact that once I decided to kick back and relax and watch some television, I had pulled back the covers and sheets on the bed and had found several long hairs clinging to the sheets.

So gross.

Then I thought that the television wasn’t working, so I went to the front desk to inform them. It turned out that I was not patient enough for the television to turn on. And then, channels at the bottom of the dial simply did not work. I had to start at channel number 12 to watch anything. Besides, I do not have cable at home. At least I had more than just eight channels to watch.

Most of the employees were Hispanic. And with my ability to actually speak in Spanish, I did so whenever I could to make sure that they understood me. What drove me crazy was whenever I would speak in Spanish, they would always reply appropriately in English! Oh well!!!!

But no matter, I was less than a day at that point to being with awesome and wonderful friends enjoying the best music that Houston has to offer.

Dr. Froth made sure that the all important question was answered. Yes, I was hungry- no, I had not eaten. So he bought me something to eat before dropping me off. So I sat on the hair-infested bed (but on the other side) and just vegged out and texted with best friends until 3:30 in the morning.

The following morning, I woke up pretty late. I enjoyed the fact that since I was up so late that I could sleep in for as long as I wanted.

Then later on in the afternoon, Dr. Froth came by and picked me up and I went into the House of Froth until it was time to go to the show.

As Dr. and Mrs. Froth got ready, I was able to watch even more cable on their television and I played with Merlin, their Alaskan Malamute some more. I had only been there three months ago, and that dog grew over twice the size since I had seen it last. And to find out that it is only five months old, that dog is gonna be huge!!!

I pointed out a poster that was on their wall, that I would really love to find. I looked and found printing on the very lower corner that said PYRAMID POSTERS. So I will attempt a Google search later on to see if I cannot find it. I would love to have one on my own wall.

As it grew time to go to the show, I was introduced to the opening band Fluid Frequency. These guys came from the panhandle of Texas all the way to Houston to play the show. Three awesome guys with awesome personalities. Kind and social.

I had to laugh because as we were out the door I shouted “Let’s Roll” and then there was this brief moment of whether or not I should have said “Let’s Rock” instead.

If anyone knows me and my humor, it is that I say “roll” because that’s what I do to move around….. roll. It is a lesson that I believe YouTube personality LISAFAYECHARDONNAY and others has learned quickly. Instead of telling me “You Rock” she now says “You Roll” and quite honestly, I do. So its still correct.

Fluid Frequency had followed us to the venue. The show was at Acadia Bar & Grill.

For me though, this was even more important to be there as not only SIX MINUTE CENTURY was playing but also ECHO TEMPLE. A band that I first got to see back in August and immediately fell in love with their music. So I had two bands that I give fealty to in one night.

Getting there early, I passed on the cover charge at the door. Awesome! But also getting there early also allowed me to get back into the feel of things inside and be able to establish grounds of which to nest in for the show.

I was struck at the view of one of the bartenders who had these really beautiful and awesome pigtails. But they were not on the sides of her head. They were close together in the middle of the back of her head. Something that I hadn’t seen before. It was really fascinating to look at. I did get an opportunity to tell her that I loved her hair and she acknowledged me.

As Fluid Frequency was setting up on stage, members of ECHO TEMPLE were coming in. Most of them were there before the show even started. They were playing right after Fluid Frequency.

I had just joined their Facebook fan page not that long ago and I have been very actively participating. So it should not have been any surprise that they knew who I was when they spoke to me. And still, I was.

ECHO TEMPLE had their CD and t-shirts for their fans. I was totally honored and blessed that ECHO TEMPLE gave me both as their gift to me, for my support of their band. So I had them all autograph the CD. So AWESOME!!!

In the weeks before, I made sure that they all knew that I wanted to hear their song “Witch” and I got teased by them on Facebook that they were not going to play it, but they turned around and said that they were only joking.

I noticed that there was a DVD being given out of the heavy metal music scene in Houston. They only asked for a kind donation rather than charging for it.

As I huddled around the foosball table, Fluid Frequency offered a friendly match. I was dumb enough to decline. But I watched as they went head to head against one another. 

Fluid Frequency members have such a great sense of humor. It was actually so much fun watching them play and listening to them bash on one another.

After a few minutes of sound check, Fluid Frequency got up there and as the opening band just ripped it wide open!!

This trio of terror played their hearts out and screamed so loud that it made an impression.  All three of them were doing vocals and it was so intense.

By the end of the first song, they proved that they were absolutely serious. And definitely by the end of the second song, they solidified their statement.

I was convinced and hooked. I bought anything that they had there to sell!!!!!

For them to come from such a long way to play was so cool. They traveled at least twice as long as I had to get there. And then I would find out that Dr. Froth knew them personally, so even then I knew that they were going to be a force.

They had set the tone for the night and left it wide open for the rest of the bands to carry the torch throughout the rest of the night.

Then ECHO TEMPLE jumped on.

I had been told by drummer Chris Kotlarz that they were going to be playing some new material and he hoped that I would enjoy it. And enjoyed it— I DID!! 

New songs coupled in with a few cover songs and then their original songs that they have played before equaled an amazing performance.

I have always been impressed with the vocal ability of lead singer Tom Calandra.

Tom Calandra

Eventually towards the end of their set Tom would mention my name and say that I had requested their song “Witch” and then they played the heck out of it. I climbed right up against the stage and just soaked it all in. Had I been able to, I probably would’ve jumped on to it.

They finished off so strong and my blood was really pumping at that point.

The t-shirt that they gave to me as a gift, I slipped over my CENTURION t-shirt as they played. When they were done, I slipped it off.

Two bands down and two more to go. And already by that time I felt like that I was lost in Paradise.

I took my place at the front of the stage again. I locked my brakes and there was NOBODY that was going to be pushing me away from that stage. I was there with purpose and a reason.

I noticed that Dr. Froth was trying to find a place to put the set list down. I tried looking through the back of the paper but he pulled it away from my sight, stating that Don LaFon said to keep it to himself. Party pooper!!!

One key note about the set that SIX MINUTE CENTURY played that night was the fact that when Dr. Froth came to the hotel to pick me up, the very first thing that he mentioned was that they were not going to play my #1 most favorite song in the world by them. He stated that the show was going to be more towards the new material that they are putting together for the new album that is soon to come. And I actually understood that. Time constraints prohibited them from performing it and they hadn’t practiced it in the weeks before.

I gave not one complaint. Of course it was a little disappointing but they have so much other great stuff coming up on the new album as well for everyone to enjoy.

SIX MINUTE CENTURY had a special guest in the crowd. Former drummer, Darren Davis, was there at the show. He had left the band because of a move. But he showed up for the night.

He also knew that I loved “Zero Hour” and that’s probably because I will never shut up about it. He came to me as SIX MINUTE CENTURY was doing their sound check, saying that he was going to do a guest spot as drummer and they would play that song.

With being told previously that it was not going to be performed and then being told that it would, it stirred in my brain a little bit. I didn’t know if he was joking or not.

Chuck Williams

Come to find out that what Dr. Froth had told me that afternoon was true. Most of the songs that were played were from the new album with the exception of a few staple songs that had its place in the set list. But even that was changed a bit to make sure that the crowd went away from the show of blood pumping, fist raising metal fury from within their souls.

At one point, I threw the DH into the air right in the face of lead singer Chuck Wiliams. It was such an amazing show at that point that I couldn’t make myself believe that it could get any better. But it did.

When I had my hand in the air, Chuck grabbed it. I didn’t want to let go of him but I knew he had others in the crowd to perform for. Still though, even after the first show that I ever attended and they played “Zero Hour” and dedicated it to me and he reached over to shake my hand…. having him grab it like that with full force and authority, we both made sure that we knew that we were there for one another. Him to perform and I to support.

By the time that they had come to the end of their set, Darren Davis had walked up next to me and stood there with me enjoying the show. They did their last song and actually ran out of time for Darren to join them on stage. There was one more band to play and SIX MINUTE CENTURY had no interest on encroaching on their time to perform.

And then the last band, Sibylline Prophecy did their sound check and they were off to cap what would be a fun and amusing night.

But within milliseconds of the end of the set for SIX MINUTE CENTURY, I felt someone tapping on my shoulder. I turned around and found this woman starting to ask questions about how much of a dedicated fan I was of the band.

An ultra-super-mega cute blonde was wondering if it was true that I ride the bus to come to Houston to see the show. She also wanted to confirm where I was from. And then at least she presented her offer.

She no longer wanted me to ride the bus to Houston. She felt that it was something that I did not have to do. But then how would I get there? Flying is just retarded expensive. And I do not drive. She said that when she heard that I make the time to travel as I do, it really touched her heart that I had that much dedication and support for the band. Apparently she was moved to hear about it.

Well, the offer was that she was going to make the drive up to where I live and pick me up and then drop me off at home. And that would consist of her driving about twelve hours in total for two round trips, and plenty of money used up for gas.

I still have not been able to figure out just how serious she was or is. But I guess there’s only one way to find out.

I gave her my card which had my phone number, e-mail address, and mailing address on it. Then we traded cell phone numbers.

She told me that I could verify that she was legit by asking both Don LaFon and Chuck Williams. And both of them said that she was a very sweet and kind girl and that they believed that it was possible that she would do this. The only difference was that one of them said she was single. So I suppose that I will investigate whether or not she is in fact serious. The only thing that I can think of is that she was serious because when she offered it, she was in my personal space. Close enough to where I could have easily licked her. And I am regretting that I didn’t at least attempt it. I mean….. who gets that close to a stranger??

And throughout the rest of the night, actually from beginning to end there were a flood of bro hugs and hugs from female music fans.

The best way to know that it was a good night was the fact that TWO of the performing bands were buying ME drinks. Not that I was buying drinks for the bands… but the bands were buying them for me. Two out of the four who performed. Are you kidding me?? Hello…!!! Another way of them being able to show how much they appreciate my support.

You can’t really get much better than that.

By the time I had left Acadia, I had one girl offer to come pick me up from home and another girl sitting on my lap outside on the sidewalk. And drinks bought left and right. Merchandise both purchased and presented as a gift.

Then I was able to go out to eat with Dr. and Mrs. Froth, O.J. Morris from the band WELL OF SOULS, and another guest that I had the pleasure of meeting. After inviting Chuck Williams, Darren Davis, and a few others that never showed. Boo on them!

I got to hear the delightful tales of Dr. Froth’s adventures, some talk about the most disgusting films ever made, and the “summer camp of 1943” all were apart of the very unbalanced table conversation. But when you are in the midst of some great and wonderful people, it doesn’t really matter what is being talked about.

The fact that I was out with people that I love in the middle of the night after an evening of fun and I didn’t have to worry about the drama and stress of the things that I had left back home, who cares what was being talked about or who was laughing at stuff that mainstream public would consider inappropriate???

Another late night for me and it was fabulous. However, I could not sleep in as check-out was 11:00 AM. And as I made my reservations with Mrs. Froth in mind, the suggestion was to stay as late as I could and leave in the afternoon. So I had the opportunity to return to the House of Froth and hang out with them some more. The unfortunate thing was that I woke up with a migraine. I took something for it and was able to survive pain free for a few hours but it came back with a vengeance. By the time it was reaching its peak, it was time for me to go back and be dropped off so that I could return home.

I gave Mrs. Froth a big hug. And I did not want to let go. I did not want to leave Houston. Tough moment for me.

The drive up 1960 was not as long as I had anticipated. But rather, Dr. Froth’s timing was very impeccable. As we drove passed Acadia, I attempted to take a photograph of the marquis sign because it was still advertising the show from the night before.

I kept yawning and yawning and yawning. But I knew something was wrong. My head was killing me and Dr. Froth was attempting to engage in conversation, and I was not up to par for it. It was something he noticed. He thought that I was just depressed that I had to leave. But it was more than that.

As I climbed on board the bus and we got on the road, it was getting tons worse. Thirty minutes into the trip back home, the plateau hit. With my luggage bag on my lap, I had no other choice but to unzip it to open it up and vomit three times inside of it. I could not with good morals or intentions do it all over the bus. However, the contents that were on top of the bag were dirty clothes which are going to be washed anyways.

After that, I felt better. The migraine disappeared and I sat there with my eyes closed and listening to the CD that ECHO TEMPLE and Fluid Frequency that I had acquired. When I opened my eyes again and I began to realize where I was, I soon saw that I was more than half way home. The trip went by that quickly for me even with the shaving off of thirty minutes from the total duration.

I was feeling fine by the time I got home. So there was no longer a concern for my health. I felt like everything was great after all of that. But still like every time that I go to see SIX MINUTE CENTURY, I am bummed out and depressed that I have to leave such lovely and fun people and return back to the life that I have here.

Having so much given to me, I am humbled and appreciative! Because of the fact that I only spent $25 the entire trip, I still have cash left over and that gives one great head start for saving for the next SIX MINUTE CENTURY show.

I hope that ECHO TEMPLE teams up with SIX MINUTE CENTURY again… that would be the best show on Earth!!!

And so I wait for the new album to come out by SIX MINUTE CENTURY. I can sit here in hope that maybe ECHO TEMPLE will travel here to play a show. Or find the way to get back down there as soon as possible to see everyone again and take the time that I need for myself to relax, and enjoy.

I love these people. Both as musicians and as friends. And the people within their camps. They are so awesome in my book that its not a wonder why its so damned hard for me to leave.

One could argue that with it being the sixth time of doing so in two years that it would get easier, but it doesn’t. But I keep in mind that there will be another time, another show, and another opportunity for me to be there again. And so I wait for that time to present itself.

 

 

 

 

 

11 August 2012: Six Minute Century Presents Dr. Froth’s Birthday Extravaganza

“Come butter the sandal.”~ Dr. Froth

Gather around children. It is time for a Frothy tale.

I find it difficult to believe that I’ve been down to Houston and back again in such a short time.

Not only that but in the span of two short months, I have gone to see SIX MINUTE CENTURY play two shows.

This time, it was for Dr. Froth’s Birthday Extravaganza. The second one that I have been able to attend.

This was my THIRD show this year alone, my fifth in total. And it just gets better and better.

I had hoped that I would not have to write several blog posts concerning the weekend trip to Houston. Thankfully, I feel that there will be no need for it. The only foul up was the trip to Houston when I arrived and the bus that I was supposed to get on, was said to have no wheelchair lift.

That foul up actually turned around and totally worked in my favor.  It would cause me to get on a different bus and arrive just under an hour earlier than originally scheduled.  Perhaps the fault is within the bus line that I have been using all of this time. Perhaps I need to change since the buses that are here all go to the same place anyways.

But it took me on a different route. I would be able to see parts of this great state that I had never seen before. And a few things that I have. The most impressionable view that I had seen was the devastation that was left behind from the fires in Bastrop from last summer. The trees are standing but they are nothing but unified and uniformed pieces of sticks. It stuck in my mind because the night before, I was watching a show called “Day Tripper” and that show was in Bastrop. I would end up seeing the very same thing as was on television. But with my own eyes as we went down the road. So surreal!

However with this entirely different route, the ride wasn’t as “boring” as it has been in times past. Before I knew it, the bus was infiltrating Katy from the west and coming through right into downtown. I had to laugh and just wave as I saw Memorial City Mall where I have played sledge hockey before. And of course we remember the Mystery Woman who works there too!

As I got into town, I would have one more slip up. One that was more significant.

A man came up to me and was asking if I needed help with my bags. I declined.

But then he grabbed the strap and began to pull it. And that wasn’t cool. The strap was around my neck and the bag was on my lap. And had he actually pulled a lot harder, he probably would have strangled me.

So I popped him in the nuts with my elbow and down he went. Then he ran off. Probably scared and confused and totally apologetic as he ran the other direction.

Minutes later, Dr. Froth and his wife came and picked me up. I told him, “Get me outta here before I land in jail.” So we took off. I was so happy to see both of them, I probably could have dragged them into a group hug or something.

I checked into my hotel room and then I was all set. I was close enough for Dr. Froth and wife to grab me from the hotel and take me to the show on Saturday evening.

I’m so glad that I don’t have to waste my energy and time writing a negative blog about the hotel!! Last June was a complete nightmare. This time, it was wonderfully peaceful and accommodating.

Right before I settled in, Dr. Froth told me that if I needed anything to just let them know. Almost immediately I announced to him that I hadn’t eaten.

This was a very smart move as MRS. Froth had previously read my blog about the Super 8 hotel experience and when I mentioned I hadn’t eaten that day and never told her about it so that they could get me something…. well, I was grounded!!

I wasn’t going to go through that again, so I mentioned that I was a little hungry and whatever they decided to get me was just fine with me. My stomach was at their mercy. And needless to say, they pulled through with an excellent choice.

So I watched some television, turned up the air conditioning, and simply chilled. Ironically, I would find myself watching the movie, “Rock Star”. How fitting that was! I would find myself watching it again Saturday morning. It was a good thing to do to kill time.

Later on in the evening, I would settle in to watch some more television and then go to bed. But that would not happen as my cell phone rang while I was in the middle of a texting conversation with one of my friends.

I’m not going to go into detail about the telephone conversation, but I will say this: One should NEVER play with fire because you may get burned!

What was supposed to be a 10:30 PM bedtime, ending up being 2:15 AM the following morning.

And that would play into the fact that since I was awake at 8:15 AM that same morning? Yeah, six hours of sleep. And evidently, I slept totally wrong in that hotel bed as I woke up all contorted and twisted. It was weird.

It was time to get ready for the show. Watch “Rock Star” on television for a second time in 12 hours, and then the energy just came over me as I was told that I was going to be picked up in the afternoon to hang out with Dr. Froth and family as they got themselves ready for the show. And that included actually playing with their two month old Alaskan Malamute. Yep, Dambreaker was mixing it up with the puppy! And the dog won.

After that, we took off for BFE Rock Club. Fourth time there for a SIX MINUTE CENTURY show. I was not entirely enthusiastic about the restroom situation, but I made the best of it.

I was hoping that a particular person would be working there and tending bar. I’d get my wish. She was working outside on the back patio. The entry way though, has a very huge step down. It was very shaky because I had seen it before at night and never thought that I could navigate it. It would be like jumping off of a curb. But when there is a will, there is a way.

So I had a drink, talked to the waitress, got to know her a little bit better instead of relying on Facebook. And the gold medal action of it all, was that I got a photograph with her! And that was something that I had hoped could happen.

And due to some unfortunate circumstances there was a change of the venue. One band couldn’t make it. Another stepped in at the 9:00 PM slot.

ECHO TEMPLE. I had heard about them, but never any of their music. They blew me away!

After the first song, I had trouble finding my brain. All I could do was sit there and say, “WOW!”. And it was pretty loud when I said that. Many people admitting that they heard it, but were unsure where it was coming from. I’m sure the band heard it as well. I sat there wondering if I could get my hands on anything that they may have released. I totally enjoyed their set. It would be cool to see them play again.

The true test of the night would be the next band. WELL OF SOULS.

I know that Mrs. Froth has always waved the banner for them, just as much as she does for SIX MINUTE CENTURY. And keep in mind, it is she that is responsible for introducing me to SIX MINUTE CENTURY, and I love them! So most certainly, she can do no wrong… wouldn’t you think?

WELL OF SOULS is a different genre of music. Doom metal. It isn’t something that I could honestly say that I have gotten into. But I decided to jump on the fence and see where I landed at the end of their set.

Their front man has such showmanship, that I became nervous for him to look at me from the stage. Almost as if I was afraid that his eyes was going to consume my eternal soul and claim it. I was impressed by that. Again, this was a band that I knew of, but knew nothing of their music.

Dr. Froth

Dr. Froth, I should mention also plays bass guitar with WELL OF SOULS. So the poor guy was about to pull double duty for two bands, and play them back to back. I don’t know how these musicians do it but they do it because they love it!

After one particular song from WELL OF SOULS, I was up against the stage and I threw the Devil’s Horns into the air. The front man caught it, and he threw them right back. His eyes filled with dark passion for the music. It was totally incredible to see that vision with his fingers in the air. I wished I had taken the opportunity to take a photograph of it.

I was sold. And now the VoM has created a monster. Her response? “I told you!”.

Yes you did. You did indeed.

All I could think about at that point was I was totally impressed by the two bands and I want in on everything there is to have. Where’s the merchandise table????

Sadly, there was none. At least nothing there that I didn’t have already! But by the end of the night, I wouldn’t leave empty-handed.

As I turned away from the tables, I was accosted by another waitress who was selling off Jell-O shots. I at first declined, but then she started to shake her groove thing, and I couldn’t resist that.

As Larry Miller said: Women are the most powerful magnet in the universe. And men are cheap metal. And they all know where “north” is.

So what the hell, I bought one. She gave me change back and she wasn’t quite sure if she gave me the correct amount. I was to receive $4.00 back. So I counted off the singles and took the last bill and shook it in her face.

The waitress stepped closer to me and stuck her chest out.

She allowed me to stuff this dollar bill down her top across her left breast. With what she was wearing, there was no room for it in her cleavage.

I made nice and sure that it was tucked down in there. Ohhhhh yes I did. I made sure that it wasn’t going to fall out easily at all. Nice and cozy.

But the adult games would have to come to an abrupt end as I saw members of the gothic metal band SILENCED WITHIN heading for the door. I’ve made good friends with them, and I wasn’t going to let them leave without taking some more photographs with them. They’ve become so nice and adapting when it has come to that. What was so cool about it was that bands were coming out to support other bands. That’s gotta be one of the coolest feelings in the world for bands who are performing.

Bands, bands, everywhere.

After that, I had to take my place by the stage and prepare for the moment that I had been waiting two months for. I was going to send a text message out to a few select friends, but noticed that my battery was as dead as door nail. All because of the night before using the phone for so long just killed it. And I didn’t know what I was going to do because how was I to communicate? I simply forgot to bring the charger. Will NOT make that mistake again.

Since we were there to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Froth, it was particularly special for me to have been there. I mean… I HAD to go, right?!?

The set for SIX MINUTE CENTURY was a bit longer, but that was perfectly fine with me! The band actually debuted a few new songs that are off of their new album that they are working on. I felt extra honored and extra special that I was there to witness that.

“Baptized In Flames” was one of their new songs. The song moved me so much that I cried. Yes, I actually cried REAL tears. I freaked out the guy standing to the right of me.

But I stuck it out and I let loose. I knew that there were eyes on the back of my head, and I just didn’t care. I was there to rock and have a good time, and that is exactly what I did.

Especially after bugging VoM to death for the past seven weeks by my constant badgering of “Are we there yet?”. I actually asked her one more time. But it was up close and personal. I took one more shot at her and paid the consequences for it. I sat there and said aloud, “Yeah, I deserved that shit.”

After all, we WERE there. No clue as to why I should drag it out other than to tease her about it. Oh well. I’ll perhaps learn one day. For my OWN sake.

The three band just impressed me so much Saturday night. It was the greatest show ever. And I was there to be a part of it all.

I was able to bring my own custom made SIX MINUTE CENTURY t-shirt. I hope the guys in the band liked it.

After the show, I got to hang out at Denny’s (again for the third time in 24 hours) with WELL OF SOULS and have breakfast. When that was finished, the front man provided me with some of the band’s merchandise that he had in his vehicle. I was very appreciative of that. They too, have a new album coming soon. I’m gonna run like a child hyper from eating chocolate when I hear that the album has been released.

Saturday night was so short. Whenever we are leaving the late night breakfast, my brain goes into this mode of preparation for my departure which is always soon around the corner from that point.

I told VoM on more than on occasion that I never like getting to that point because I know that I have to go home. But I have also mentioned to her that I know deep down that it is not the last time.

And now I am home. It is kind of freaky to think that just several hours ago I was there hanging out with everyone and having the time of my life!

Record Breaking Havoc

Ladies and gentleman, readers, subscribers: Its time again. 

Oh yes, we’ve come to yet another record breaking event in my own life. It is just too sad that I don’t have enough money to hand out rewards for this kind of thing.

This evening, I was reading from my good friend and fellow brother of the musical scales. He had written a new blog post. That blog of course, is Frothtonomy.

Those of you who have been with me for the longest time know that I’m always finding something amazing whenever he writes. He’s shown his “softer side” for a lack of a better term. But what usually gets me, is his totally unique and profane ways of telling a story.

Tonight was filled with ZERO TOLERANCE. All who read his blog post from tonight, will genuflect to his commands.

Not since the blog post that he wrote back in January 2011, have I laughed so damned hard. Tonight was even worse if you were to compare to the two. Worse being a loosely given term.

If you want to read this particular post that actually got me interested in following his blog, you can find it here:

 http://millsap.wordpress.com/2011/01/20/pass-the-bubble-yum-its-class-action-time/

 

Tonight’s read broke and shattered any and all records that were kept in the books. I HAVE NEVER LAUGHED SO HARD IN MY ENTIRE LIFE! And that includes “The Great Garbage Can Bowling” event of my childhood.

I started laughing at one point, hearing about the “Tea Pot Girl” and once I got started it created an avalanche of hilariousness to the point that I had tears just streaming from my eyes. I could feel my face turning a deep red and feeling quite flushed and warm, and I could no longer take in any oxygen. I was expecting the drool to come.

It happened once before when I read the first post. The neighbors were calling me to see if I was okay. I was laughing so hard and so loud that they could hear it from my living room, THROUGH my bedroom, THROUGH the walls that separate my place from theirs, and into their living room.

Tonight, it happened again. TWICE!!!

And what puts the cherry on top is that tonight, the security watchman that patrols the grounds (and nothing else mind you) knocked on my door to see what in the world was going on. I’m just waiting for someone to call the police on me one of these times for laughing so much that it has scared the crap out of them.

Nobody, and I mean NOBODY has ever caused that kind of a response out of me. No woman or man or child.

And this is why I highly suggest that you go and take the time to read his entire blog from beginning to end. Dr. Froth’s visionary ways of using the blog to produce a great laugh has always baffled me.

He tells me that he does not have my readership — let’s change that!!

You can find “Frothtonomy” in the Blogroll, or immediately be transported to a wonder land of laughter by clicking on the link below:
http://millsap.wordpress.com/

 

 

And yes, he does use profanity a lot. But seriously… you have to look passed all of that in order to understand what he is telling you.

Leave him a comment. Subscribe to his blog.  Tell him Dambreaker sent you!!!

As for the rest of the Disciples of Dambreaker, more blog goodness to come this week.