How many Turtles records are enough? How many are too many? The answer to both questions is two. And one of them is definitely Battle of the Bands.

“Hey folk rocker do you wanna folk rock with me?” Some friends are performing a very good show this week. Tin Constellations release their new LP ‘Cobden’ Saturday at The Gladstone. Claude Munson opens. You saw them first at Shanks at McCranks! Good seats still available. #palsofrock

Let’s go Gee Gees!

It might sound like I’m drunk when I’m preaching, but I learned to preach when I was a drunk so I guess that makes sense. #preaching

Big crush on the X-ray tech here at the hospital. But I’m not gonna keep breaking bones just to hang out, you know?

Well I didn’t win any awards or make anyone’s year end list. Wrote a couple songs that some folks liked and if they didn’t, they were kind enough to keep it to themselves. Still, a lovely year of quietly Shanking along. What more do I need?

Urging all musician pals to consider checking the Ottawa Titans 2026 schedule before booking shows this spring/summer okay? Already run into several conflicts. You booked a gig on Opening Day, Reverb Syndicate? Really? Let’s go, people!

I played a song on my guitar to a real alive person who was sitting here on my couch. It was very nice. A good little concert.

Slept in till 7am. That’s what happens when you take the BIG gummy. Got all fucked up on the nice drugs and played guitar while Topper rolled around in packing paper. We know how to party. #HappyNewYear #IWNDWYT #OrangeCats #CaliforniaSober

Step right up for the end of this song.

Wow! Congratulations to our pal Nardwuar on his Order of Canada nomination! No surprise there, he’s the hardest working person in rock n roll. 40 years of music obsession finally recognized nationally. A total punk rock inspiration to me and other DIY indie-garage-rock folks. Well done old friend!

Hatred is contagious, love is slippery

It would be cool if California punk band The Linda Lindas would cover 1968 soul/R&B hit What A Man. Then it would be: The Linda Lindas play Linda Lyndell.

Didn’t you know? We’re all getting older. That’s how living works.

Why do burgers need to be smashed now? And I just saw a menu offering a smashed grilled cheese. What’s with all the food destruction? Are regular old sandwiches unhip? I can’t keep up anymore. #kidstoday #oldmanyellsatcloud

Got my hand stamped by Scallen yesterday. He’s been stamping my hand for 35 years now. Fun time at the Alan Cross lecture. A great rock n roll bullshitter but at least entertaining for us old stoned rocker dudes.🤘

Don Henley, backstage after a Brian Wilson show telling Wilson how much his music meant, asked him to sign a first-pressing vinyl copy of "Pet Sounds." Wilson signed it: "Don, thanks for the great songs" and started to hand it back, but then decided to cross out "great" before returning it to him.

Merry Christmas BlueSky pals. Topper and I hit the highway to get down and visit mum. Enjoying sniffing around the house and rolling around in wrapping paper. Him too! Peace and harmony to you all!💚❤️

Simply Wishing You a Wonderful Christmas Time

Cool Christmas gift from an old pal. Eric knows that there’s no tone like FUZZ for the holidays. 🎁

Shout out to all the folks donning gay apparel and whatnot.

My television just told me that the Tiny Tim documentary is available for me to watch so I’ll catch you all later. 🌷

Often too enthralled with the music to remember to take photos, but what a fun night. Seasons Beatings is a fave annual bash. Old punks and roots rockers, everybody bopping in their boots. Hilarious cameo by Remi Royale with ridiculous Blue Christmas curtain calls. So great to see all your faces!💚❤️

Aw. Seasons Beatings to all and to all a good night. We have clever pals.

A second Lauryn Hill show was added for tomorrow but the cheapest ticket is $250. As much as I would love to attend I just wouldn’t be able to enjoy myself spending that much money. Whatever. See you tonight at Targ for Seasons Beatings. 3 bands for 15 bux! More my speed.

It doesn’t take much to get me happy and motivated in the morning. Sometimes it’s just the right J. Geils Band record. Today’s gonna be okay. #firstilookatthepurse

to improve your afternoon: here is how to sing the times between 3:01 and 3:30

You know those people that holler THANK YOU to the bus driver as they exit from the back doors? Yup. That’s us too, right?

Tammy Wynette is singing on my television. Who made that stage/set anyway? Is it some bizarre German engineered deep arthouse design nonsense or just a couple stoned hippies in Nashville? Whatever. It’s funky, it’s very 1970s and it matches her eye shadow.

Anyway, enough ranting. Strap your ice cleats on and meet me at Irene’s tonight for Blues Night. Riishi is this week’s guest star and she’s really great. 8pm start. PWYC

I love my city but damn it is not prepared for winter. I’m broken but I will heal. I cannot imagine how someone with an actual disability navigates during this type of weather. Sidewalks are death traps and buses just don’t show up. Car drivers don’t look and bikers claim the sidewalk. Fuck.

Hey winter cyclists. I get it. I don’t own a car either. But you’ve got to stay off the fucking sidewalks. Take a day off, take Transit to work, maybe give the city a day to clear the roads for you. You are being unsafe and selfish. This grizzled old punk might just jam his cane in your damn spokes.

Happy Gotcha Day. Three years with this beautiful genius. From kitten to crony. A pretty good dude is our Topper. #orangecat #gotchaday

I’m out. The radio just played the Ryan Hamilton cover of Last Christmas. That still counts? #Whamageddon

Busy weekend. 1 Rock legend Gerard Van Herk performs a brilliant set. 2 My first NQ Arbuckle gig. 3 Topper gets sheared. 4 Pal Suzanne Nuttall rocks out on Elgin. More action this weekend with friends at Irene’s Blues Night, then Kid Koala and probably The Allaire Show. Good times.

I found a back corner table with a seat that also has room for discretely standing and possibly doing a little shimmy shake. Drugs kicking in, got a drink with ice and I am ready to tuck into this NQ Arbuckle show. Full band. Gotta go!

I like that grey cats look pink if you get in close enough.

Looks like we’re getting into our “punk rock for old people” phase which is fine. It’s still fun, you know?

Was recently privileged and delighted to converse with an important person in the history of Canadian rock records that get played in my apartment. Where’s the Order of Canada for the guy that wrote Three Men One Coffin, A Million Pieces, and The House of Doctor Stimuli?

You may be cool, but you'll never be "Freddie Stone & Larry Graham on Ed Sullivan" cool.

I have been given the shiny and very real War Stopper Award by USA Pickleball because I have stopped so many dozens of wars and whatnot. I am honored that my war stopping has been noticed by the foremost pickleball organization in the world.

I’ll be damned if I can locate my Blues Magoos christmas 7”. I’ve got Hasil Adkins and Shadowy Men holiday 45s so that’ll have to do for a December record party. Faster Santa Claus Ho Ho Ho!

I don’t have a Spotify wrapped thing but if you come to House of Targ tomorrow I’ll play you some of my favourite 45s from the past 70 years or so. 9pm start • 20 bux at the door.

Big Audio Dynamite on the radio. Never bothered with em cos I was always Team Strummer but this stuff sounds like it might be good bike-ride music.

This Thursday. Gerard Van Herk is my hero. His band Deja Voodoo and his label Og Records warped my teenage brain, never to be the same again. He’s back with a new LP after 30+ years and he’s performing here in Ottawa. With Bloodshot Bill, Eddy Gazel and me spinning 45s. Late start but early finish.

A very excellent weekend packed with live music. I love the small rooms in my city. What’s next? (The answer is Gerard Van Herk w/ Bloodshot Bill on Thursday) See you out there!

“Wearing a white suit and cowboy hat is one thing but what really makes it a special look is carrying a red Metro bag. Now they know you mean business.” Dave Bignell and whoever is onstage with him is my favourite band. Hands down. Coolest player in town and a total musical inspiration.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

They’re gonna sound so great. Total favourites. This will be FUN.

Then I walked home the whole way. Been practicing walking, losing my limp, getting stronger going farther. I bring my cane against the winter sidewalks. I’m given a wide berth and often a seat on the bus, thank you. But a lovely night walk and fun interactions with the Rideau freaks. #shownotes

I wanted to deck my seat mate who travelled from Quebec and was the bands NUMBER ONE FAN but who was loud and disruptive and had to video every damn song. He was so dumb I couldn’t help but feel for him so he got a pass. Outside I made sure he knew where he was going, the poor idiot. #shownotes