James M. Graham Photographer

Thank You, Goodnight!

2012-01-27T19:52:00.003-05:00

Cover Star: Hugo Boss and a Nikon remote
Headlining Band: The Mats killing Kiss

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Remember

2012-01-27T00:08:00.006-05:00

There is no one more important than you...

This goes out to all my friends, but especially George.

He and I have talked about Roxy Music for hours and me perhaps doing some sort of a photographic homage to these iconic album covers. And I always say, "No way, man." And he laughs that iconic laugh as only George can do.

I miss him.

And my girl...

I'll be here all week...

Cover Star: Country Life
Headlining Band: Roxy Music

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A Patron

2012-01-25T00:12:00.004-05:00

Sometimes all you want to do is take a picture of your best friend,

Sometimes your best friend asks for it.

Here it is.

I'm that lucky.

And the entire time it took to take this photo (27 minutes) this song was going through my head, It wasn't about his missing limb (he has all of them), it was about hurrying and getting it right, which I think we did.

And it clearly had nothing to do with him, except everything...

He's more than a brother. He's blood.

Cover Star: Toby
Headlining Band: The Jesus Lizard

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Portrait

2012-01-23T02:33:00.004-05:00

This kind of portrait:

It's really easy to do. If you have trust. If you have history. If you have a connection.

Then there's the other kind, which is good too.

I'll be here all week...

Cover Star: MMS
Headlining Band: Ms. Case

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Saturday Night In The Universe

2012-01-21T23:24:00.000-05:00

unless you are somewhere else...

Not a Trace of Strange Behavior

2012-01-17T21:47:00.006-05:00

Get time back.

That's the goal.

Or make the most of it.

That's the challenge.

"The situation's growing hopeless so I pretended not to notice."

And now, it's gone...

Cover Star: Warhol in Berlin
Headlining Band: The Grifters

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Two More And It's Gone

2012-01-17T21:25:00.002-05:00

So I had a dream the other night that these two 'bad men' were breaking into my apartment and they wanted to fucking kill me. I ran and I ran and I ran, but I could not get away (if you've been to my apartment or live in, well, fuck it, anywhere, you understand) and I hid in some non-existent closet until they were about to get me and then I woke the fuck up.

Harshly.

Most of the time I cannot sleep at all. This night I was asleep and the 'bad men' woke me up.

Thank you, brain.

It's a recurring NYC dream. I have it once a year - maybe twice, mostly, I think, because if you really want to jump over the rooftops and crawl into my kitchen window, you can.

And if you do not want to kill me, let's just say, then you can take my TV. Or my computer. Because if you want to carry that shit down three flights and put it in your car - go with god, brother. I'm not carrying it downstairs for you. I already carried it up. It ain't going nowhere unless you want it. Have at it.

I had my house keys winged at my head once. They missed.
I've taken two punches to the face. They did not miss.
I've weaved and bobbed with the best of them, mostly walking away right after I tried desperately to reason with 'them.'
Never really works...

I guess the bottom line is this:

If you want to hurt me or steal my TV - do it.

I've got better shit to do.

This post is for CD, as an apology for being an asshole.

Cover Star: moi
Headlining Band: Da Yout

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I Have An Idea

2012-01-17T21:13:00.004-05:00

And I haven't had one for quite some time. Photographically, I mean...

Stay put. Focus. Don't succumb. Ignore outside syllables. Contain emotions.

Focus. Did I mention that? I think I might have.

Why go when you can stay? Why worry when you have so much to do?

Recognize the good shit - celebrate it even. Leave all the bad shit behind - ignore it even.

Life's too short and work is important. And godammit, do not live your life based on other people's expectations!

Stay tuned...

Cover Star: Sahid
Headlining Band: Cereal Hero Killers

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Noise

2012-01-16T14:07:00.005-05:00

"It's my favorite shot of you, you look so pretty, your eyes were true..."

Less than a month ago I posted a shot that one could call provocative. It took a lot of courage.

Two artists realizing a shot that was an homage to two others, not that we equate ourselves with either one of them. Respect, yes. Homage, yes. Equivalent, no.

It's a photographic statement. That's all.

I don't know if my ex-girlfriends have seen it. I don't know if my parents have seen it. No one has said anything to me about it. And I do not care. In fact, I haven't even thought about it until this morning.

It's a photograph. It's a song. Sing it. It was a moment in time, now, long gone.

Who the fuck cares? I just want the noise to stop. If I cannot do THAT, then I cannot do anything. Take that away from me and I will cease to create.

Period.

"What's real? What's true? I ain't turning my back on you..."

Cover Star: TV
Headlining Band: Lee

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Pork Roast

2012-01-03T02:54:00.002-05:00

According to my Mother:

350 degrees "for more than an hour."
Rub it in oil, whatever oil you have, olive, canola, whatever...
Salt and pepper it.
Heat it covered.

Delicious!

Cover Stars: My Moscow magazine coming soon...
Headlining Band: Wolf

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Happy Fucking New Year

2011-12-31T19:15:00.004-05:00

This song is about my good friend Greg. I'm mentioned.

Fuck you 2011.

Cover Stars: ...
Headlining Band: Goner

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The Legacy Continues...

2011-12-28T21:06:00.003-05:00

Meagan Marie Sample, who will forever hold the title of being my first 'muse.'

Over a period of eight months we created some amazing photographs, probably a book's worth. One of my many favorites was a shot of her in her old apartment in Utica, NY. The apartment was completely trashed and she was holding her cat at her hip, looking all badass. My Criterion DVD copy of "The Night Porter" was in the foreground. Which she later stole...

We shot again in 2009.

Recently she reminded me that we had an 'agreement" (and we did) to shoot once a year until either of us is dead. We skipped 2010 as she was quick to remind me.

This shot is from December 19, 2011.

Next year, my dear. Please take care of yourself.

I bought another copy of "The Night Porter"...

Happy Fucking New Year.

Cover Stars: MMS
Headlining Band: The Gutter Twins, which is pretty much what we were.

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Happy XMAS

2011-12-20T21:42:00.004-05:00

To all my true friends - War Is Over If You Want It.

I've always wanted to do this. Consider it an homage...

Peace.

And if peace doesn't interest you, fuck off and die.

Cover Stars: J&D
Headlining Band: You know damn well who it is...

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Thumbprint

2011-12-19T02:03:00.003-05:00

Cover Star: Sunset Park, 12-19-11
Headlining Band: John Lennon, et all.

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Glove

2011-12-17T03:15:00.003-05:00

Cover Star: Sunset Park, 12-17-11
Headlining Band: Garbage doing The Ramones

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Goner

2011-12-10T01:13:00.007-05:00

Tired eyes, bleeding hearts...

Been listening to Goner a lot tonight.

Brilliant band, from Raleigh, NC, and friends of mine.

Word is they are working on their 4th album.

God, I hope so. Their songs mean a lot to me.

Cheers boys! Let's do it! And I want to photograph you properly!

Talk to me!

Cover Star: Goner (the photo), live @ The Mercury Lounge, 10-09-04
Headlining Band: Goner

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This One's Set To Kill

2011-12-07T19:10:00.003-05:00

The Afghan Whigs reunion announced today.

They are officially off the list of should do.

Thanks, Greg!

Cover Star: Sherice, 02-16-07
Headlining Band: The Afghan Whigs

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I'm Old Fashioned

2011-12-01T23:11:00.004-05:00

Woke up. Elated. Happy and good. Really good.
Got an egg sandwich.
Ate it with some coffee.
Walked to the train.
Went to B&H. Had a panic attack.
Bought a bunch of film and some batteries.
Walked to the train.
Got home.
Found out my shoot was postponed. Film keeps. Batteries too.
Did some work. Calm now.
Walked to the train. Had a panic attack.
Went to Cheeky's on the LES. Calm now.
Bought a pork chop sandwich (the best in the world, mind you).
Took it back to Fontana's and ate the shit out of it with a Coke and a beer.
Watched sports I don't give a fuck about. Had a panic attack.
Witnessed a potential fight, which alleviated itself.
Talked to some friends. Several of them. Felt good. Sorta.
Walked to the train.
Bought a bottle of wine. Calm now.

Thursday night in the universe. Friday is next. See ya Saturday!

I can swim. I can swim. I can swim.

I can't swimmmmmmmm!

Oddly enough, The Jesus Lizard makes me feel better...

(My shirt is unbuttoned all David Yow style).

Cover Star: Natalie, 06-15-09
Headlining Band: The Jesus Lizard, live at Irving Plaza, 11-06-09. I was there. Listen - you can probably hear me...

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No One Calls, No One Writes

2011-11-29T01:55:00.003-05:00

Except for the Baby Kitty, who constantly reminds me that she depends on me - for everything.

OK, she doesn't call or write, she just goes - mrroooowww...

And I know what that fucking means.

My Mother said to me the other night, she said, "James..." and I said, "What?..."

And it was her 76th birthday AND Thanksgiving.

And I said, "What?..."

And she said - "You should be alone for a while."

And I pondered and I thought and I played a song in my head, and then I thought again, and I pondered some more, and then I thought - I don't want to be alone. I mean, who the fuck really does?

But what I said to my Mother on her birthday and on Thanksfuckinggiving was -

"I hear you."

This photo and song is for my Mom.

Dig it. Or don't. As per the conversation I had thrice tonight, I don't really give a fuck. It''s all about being happy. AND ON THAT NOTE, the one that's resonating...

Happy December! PSR, AD, & DC...

Cover Star: The Developing Tank
Headlining Band: Johnny Thunders, RIP

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Breakdown

2011-11-08T02:21:00.004-05:00

Sometimes friends swoop in for you. And a portrait is in line.

Sometimes.

Cover Star: CD and me...
Headlining Band: Rowland S. Howard, RIP

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Acrimony

2011-11-02T23:44:00.003-04:00

Is a bitch.

"My lust, it ties me up
In chains
My skin catches fire at the
Mention of your name
No matter what I tried to do
I could not lose it."

Cover Star: Molly Crabapple, back in the day...
Headlining Band: TAWs

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Tuesday Morning in the Universe

2011-10-25T03:56:00.005-04:00

Fuck, I don't even know anymore. What?

I only go where I go. Good luck seeing me, and if you are there, you will. If you even give a fuck.

Fuck, I don't even know anymore. What?

Shooting this week - an editorial and a magazine shoot.

I need a lottery ticket. A winning one.

GVB all night tonight.

Sometimes all you need is a little Bob Pollard.

No one reads this anymore so, fuck it. Liquid Indian.
Cover Star: My first attempt at taking the 'Self Portrait' series
Headlining Band: GBV

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Before : After

2011-09-28T03:58:00.006-04:00

"Just to see what if
Just to see what is
I can't kick your habit
Just to feed your fast ballooning head
Listen to your heart."

Cover Star: moi
Headlining Band: Radiohead

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Something About Today

2011-09-19T23:51:00.003-04:00

Underground.

I can't explain.

Following most everywhere I tread.

But it feels good.

Cover Star: JJG
Headlining Band: Screaming

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Here It Is...

2011-09-16T23:32:00.001-04:00

Cover Star: JJG
Headlining Band: Mr. Buckner

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My Latest Self-Portrait

2011-09-13T00:02:00.005-04:00

Taken 40 minutes after the 'empty' one...

The "Pin Ups" addition was sheer last minute inspiration as I struggle to re-alphabetize my albums after this hellish move into the new place.

Cover Star: Ingvild Eiring
Headlining Band: Mr. Jones covering The fucking Yardbirds

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My Latest Self-Portrait

2011-09-06T23:55:00.004-04:00

Wall Of Voodoo's "Dark Continent." Warner Brother's 1980 compilation, "Troublemakers." Tom Waits' "Frank's Wild Years." The Jackson Five's "Greatest Hits." And Genesis' "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway."

And "ABBA" on the wall...sort of...

The lyrics are poignant. Listen.

Cover Star: Sunset Park, Brooklyn, 2011
Headlining Band: Lloyd Cole & The Commotions

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I Take A Walk Outside...

2011-08-31T00:41:00.004-04:00

The new neighborhood is tattooed everything. It's not the same by myself, but it's fine. It's safe. It's mine. It's ours.

When I went to see the Doctor...I was hiding all the way.

Cover Star: Rael, 2005
Headlining Band: Mr. Cave, live...

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Cowgirl, Everything Is Gonna Be Okay

2011-08-22T03:03:00.007-04:00

Trust me. I have a birf on Thursday.

Cover Star: JJG
Headlining Band: Mr. Cave & Mr. Ellis

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Black

2011-08-17T00:15:00.007-04:00

I moved from Park Slope, Brooklyn to Sunset Park, Brooklyn on August 2nd. It's taken me two weeks and a day to get back on-line. It's also taken me that amount of time to start painting (mostly) everything grey and to start start unpacking the crap I've amassed.

The neighborhood is not easy nor is it easily navigable. But I've had help, and I'm starting to make sense of it. Rico's Tacos = the bast tacos I've ever had (sorry Rachel's). Seared pork and chicken tacos and a long, tall 'Mexican' Coke costs $7.00.

Fuck yeah.

I hate my phone more than ever and the IRS and most of the people in the world, but I saw The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge yesterday in a rain storm with my girl and it renewed my faith in humanity.

OK, it absolutely did not. It made me want to retreat more. Except from my girl.

The past two days, she saved my life. Seriously. This post is for her.

Cover Star: JJG
Headlining Band: That dude that we're gonna have dinner with, and hey, if I won't do 'it' then he will certainly do 'it.' He always does...

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Toy Store

2011-07-19T21:43:00.004-04:00

Money later. Friends later. Everything later. A cat has nine lives, supposedly, even though we all know that isn't true.

Hand it over slowly and I'm gone. But, I'm gonna take my time. Sweet-talking fly on the wall...

Cover Star: JJG
Headlining Band: TTS

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Don't Forget Me, Dear...

2011-07-17T14:35:00.004-04:00

First shot from the fashion shoot yesterday for the "Thru|Lines" documentary project.

The camera crew is shadowing my hair stylist, Sharmeen Azmudeh, as one of the 24 New Yorkers included in the multi-screen installation.

Makeup by the very talented Daniel Koninsky.

It's Sunday afternoon and I'm feeling a lonely Mark Lanegan Sunday afternoon. Join me...

Cover Star: Jessica@Basic & Monroe
Headlining Band: Mr. Lanegan

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Feelings, Albeit, Mixed...

2011-07-17T01:02:00.005-04:00

I love the word "albeit.' And cigarettes. And coffee. And whiskey. And good friends. And smart conversation.

I'm not going anywhere. Except to Sunset Park, Brooklyn, NY. Find me there.

In the meantime, I'm gonna be looking for her. In a deep sea diver suit. Yeah, that's how I feel tonight. And the air grows heavy...

Cover Star: ELEELA Magazine, 10/06
Headlining Band: Mr. Cave

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New Address

2011-07-16T00:02:00.008-04:00

Shoot tomorrow morning with Meeney and Jessica@Basic with a documentary video crew.

Pray for us. Or just do whatever it is you do. I'm not praying...I'm cleaning the gates!

Do you ever wake up and find yourself alone?
Do you ever wake up far from home?

Cover Star: Mika Meiri, NYC, July 2011
Headlining Band: tSPs

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Pretty Pictures...

2011-07-01T22:51:00.003-04:00

...and no vitriol, for a change.

Where do you buy Vitriol, anyway? B&H?

Cover Star: behind the scenes @ the K+R shoot
Headlining Band: Da Whigs

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My Friends...

2011-06-30T02:54:00.005-04:00

...tell me STUFF.

Important stuff, revelatory stuff, stuff one should pay attention to. Or ignore. But at least I have a support system that I can dismiss. Or accept, which is the hardest thing to do, unless they are universally 'right' which I always acknowledge. Always...

I'm angry. I realized this yesterday, sprinkled with moments of love, well being and happiness. But I tend to gravitate toward the negative. I should be a stand-up comedian. I am, for all intents and purposes.

1,2,3,4...

When I'm angry, I go all - for lack of a better term - punk rock (DO NOT argue with me right now). Meaning, I just say FUCK IT, sometimes to my own detriment (nine stitches, being saved by an angel in the Dekalb Street subway stop). But I do not have a defwitch. I repeat...

DEFWITCH.

So, the world is gonna have to live with me. FOR A LONG TIME.

What makes that better? Therapy? Sure. Medication? Always-ish. Self-medication? Sometimes, but not tonight.

Here's the deal:

It's hard to explain, but, sometimes, just because I can, I hit the city...

...and I know a ship comes in every day. Because you're a fire escape.

I want a tattoo that says 'beauty" but I haven't earned it yet.

Or have I?

Cover Star: behind the scenes @ the K+R shoot
Headlining Band: Mr. Lanegan

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The Ass Kittens

2011-06-21T22:30:00.007-04:00

I am wide awake. And that's what I want The Ass Kittens to be.

Wide awake. Real.

MOST of the people I know do NOT think that The Ass Kittens are a real band. Hell, I don't even know if, honestly, my guitarist and bass player think it's real.

But I do.

I want to do this.

My bass player and guitarist told me tonight that we shouldn't just record, which I want to do to make it real. They said we should rehearse, you know, be a real band. Get our chops down, and do not make a comedy record, which I do not want to do. And they were right. Correct. Sex positive, et al.

It's kinda nice when people you care about and people you want to perform with break it down for you. I do it all the time. Ask me a question. I'll always tell you the brutal truth.

So, we are gonna rehearse. On Saturday. It MIGHT suck a bunch of ass. I don't think so, but it might.

I'm not scared.

Bear with me. It might be GOOD.

Cover Star: TAK
Headlining Band: Dave Grohl & The Foo Fighters

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Fuck You, It's Magic!

2011-06-19T23:43:00.004-04:00

What was I supposed to say?

Stay.

Cover Star: feathers
Headlining Band: The Giraffes, 08/28/09

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Save The Skins For A Pelt And The Rest For A Belt

2011-06-12T15:05:00.004-04:00

"Well it's cold and it's quiet and cobblestone cold in here fucking for fear of not wanting to fear again lonely is all we are lovely so far but my heart's still a marble in an empty jelly jar someday suppose that my curious nervousness stills into prescience clairvoyant consciousness I will be calmer than cream making maps out of your dreams but will psychic ability kill the nativity or simply diminish that flinch?"

Thank you for reaching out last night. I miss you like hell, too.

Cover Star: MMS. Tables turned...
Headlining Band: TV On The Radio

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I'm Not Sure What They Were Thinking Of...

2011-06-12T02:25:00.006-04:00

Toad Hall.

Cover Star: Two Muses.
Headlining Band: The Giraffes. The second The Ass Kittens cover and the vinyl 45 B-side.

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Burn Down Another Night

2011-06-01T23:32:00.010-04:00

I am trying to quit smoking again. My last cigarette was Monday night at approximately 11pm so it's been 48 hours. I've done this before - hour 72 is going to suck, unless I light one up.

It's time. As my mother told me today, I've developed a cough. Who knows what the inside looks like?

I have a weird history with smoking.

My father smoked from little kid until a year after, that's right, a year after I was born. My parents were both children of tobacco farmers in rural North Carolina. My mother never smoked.

I did not start smoking until I was almost 35 years old. I thought that it was those kids who started when they were 13 that are fucked (and you are), so I started to bum cigarettes.

Then I bought a pack. Right around December 31, 1999. New Year's Resolution - to start smoking. Twisted, fucked up and odd. Perfect. More a story than anything else - and the resolution was to smoke for just one year. That's a non-smoker talkin' there, boy.

It didn't really take until September 12, 2001. Then it took. Hard.

I smoked regularly until Spring of 2006 when my then girlfriend and I went hiking up a "mountain" in Woodstock, NY. I got winded. The next day I threw away my remaining pack (smokes still in it) and quit cold turkey.

For 18 months. Until that girlfriend and I broke up. November 2007. And I purposely bought a pack and haven't looked back, even though in my village, they cost upwards of $13.00. And most of my friends smoke or at least bum them from me and smoke. And most of the people I've dated smoke with just a few exceptions.

Anyway.

I spent the majority of the weekend and the last almost four years smoking way too much. Excuses, explanations, habitual drug use, and that sweet relief for the jones that comes with that first puff.

I'm gonna try to quit now, once again. Key words: Gonna Try. It's so fucking ridiculous that one can look for support on Blogger or on Facebook, by writing and/or posting about it, but one can. I am.

I might buy a pack tomorrow. Don't judge me if I do.

But knowing me, I probably won't. For a while at least...

Cover Stars: CD & JG by CW. One of the last cigarettes.
Headlining Band: The Leaving Trains. The first The Ass Kittens cover.

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Bittersweet

2011-05-28T02:09:00.006-04:00

They're staring at you, my love.

"Black out the windows
I'ts party time
You know how I love stormy weather
So, let's all play suicide

The crowd wants you bleeding
The eyes from your head
Get off your knees
You'll be fine."

Cover Stars: Katya @Fusion & Sietzka @FentonMoon
Headlining Band: TTS, live, Irving Plaza, 04/03/04

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Don't Call

2011-05-24T19:16:00.003-04:00

Melancholy. Greg does such a fantastic job of that. And the motherfucker absolutely makes cover versions his own. Admirable.

Walked home from Kensington, Brooklyn Monday night at 3am. About 50 blocks - took me an hour - never passed another human being. Half of the walk was along Green-Wood Cemetery with Victorian houses across the street. It was all mine and no one was awake. The perfect time of night. Quiet. No telephone ringing. No one tapping you on the shoulder or asking you directions or looking at you because you are all dressed in black with long, grey hair, and are scaring their babies. The weather and light was perfect for feeling like the last man alive, or at least some drifter passing through town. Or an actor, a photographer, or dark angel...

Even though Berlin is calling me again, I was reminded how much I love this city. It was like a Bresson film directed by Wenders.

I have the feeling that my phone phobia will just increase the older I get...

Cover Star: Aliona @ FentonMoon
Headlining Band: TTS, covering Desire

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Wall Of Voodoo (revised repost from 01/17/07)

2011-05-19T19:34:00.018-04:00

Some crazy, wacky facts about Wall of Voodoo:

- Early '80's band based in Los Angeles.

- Signed to IRS Records and released "Dark Continent" and "Call of the West." Both stellar, but "Call of the West" is a masterpiece. You may remember the "Mexican Radio" video from the early MTV days or "Beavis and Butthead." One of the best ever made. Seriously.

- Lead singer/lyricist Stanard Ridgway left the band after "Call of the West" and they continued to record with a new lead singer under the same name. Disregard this creative output.

- Porn film director (which is not entirely fair) Stephen Sayadian "styled" the cover of "Call of the West" and produced and production designed the video for "Mexican Radio." Stephen is one of my major "visual" influences - as "Rinse Dream" - see "Cafe Flesh" and "Dr. Caligari." Does anyone know where he is or if he is still alive??? WOV did soundtracks to his early '80's porn films, like maybe, "Cafe Flesh." There is an instrumental version of "Ring of Fire" (one of their staples and an AMAZING cover) in one of his films.

- Toby, Chris, David(?) and I saw them in a tiny little underground club on April 30th, 1983 in Raleigh, NC. We could not afford tickets ($6.00 or something) since we were freshmen in college and had already spent our textbook money on the album. Toby won tickets to see them on WKNC, the campus radio station. Divine Providence. We immediately went to K-Mart and shoplifted plastic dinosaurs because we had read in Trouser Press that Marc Moreland, the guitarist, collected them. We hung out with the band for an hour while they packed up and drank Heineken’s. Marc loved the dinosaurs and told the keyboardist, Chas T. Grey to not "rip them off" of him. Marc went on to play with Concrete Blonde.

- There's a reason they didn't make my "Reunion" list: Marc Morleand is dead. He "passed away March 13, 2002 from complications following a liver transplant." He was 44. Joe Nanini, the drummer, is dead. He "died on December 4, 2000 because of a brain hemorrhage." He was 45. I am currently older than both of them.

- Toby and I saw Stan together at The Cat's Cradle since I first wrote this a couple of years ago. He performed most of "Call of the West" beautifully with his band, which included his wife - no other WOV members. We chatted with him about the show in '83 and he said he remembered the dinosaur incident. Whether he did or not, it was boss.

- They were the 'coolest' people I've ever met, even before 'cool' really had a skewed definition. They are the measure. Fuck you, Williamsburg. Fuck you, Austin. Fuck you, Chapel Hill. Los Angeles? Who would have thunk it? They WERE "Repo Man." They REALLY were.

It's crazy when one of your formative records comes back to haunt you and actually turns out to be good. And it's doing it again, four years after I initially posted this.

Wall of Voodoo mean something to me. It's a time and place and an experience and a body of work that absolutely holds up. The photo is the back of "Call of the West." Mine. Autographed by Stan, Chas, and two dead guys...

I wish I had taken that photo. I wish I could call Bunnyhutch Headquarters right now...

If you are a band, and you are as good as Wall of Voodoo, and you want me to take your photo, contact me.

If you do not know "Call of the West" you should really, really buy it and check it out. I don't throw "masterpiece" around carelessly either. No wonder Stan quit...

I understand just a little. No comprende, it's a riddle...

"Ring of Fire" live. Revel.

Cover Star: WOV
Headlining Band: WOV, R.I.P.

James M. Graham, Website
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James M. Graham, Monograph

Enchanté

2011-05-17T23:14:00.006-04:00

If you're trouble, then I'll follow you down.

Wide awake. Somebody put a gun in my face.

Go ahead, I said, erase.

I wanna see you again.

You said 11...

Cover Star: Brooke
Headlining Band: The Twilight Singers

James M. Graham, Website
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James M. Graham, Monograph

659 534

2011-05-13T14:17:00.003-04:00

Say so, I'm getting under your skin, so soft
I can't help but pursue-
Til I'm screwed...

Cover Star: Premium
Headlining Band: The Twilight Singers

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

Twenty Bands That Should Reunite Right Now

2011-05-10T21:45:00.019-04:00

I do this every year. The last post was Monday, April 26, 2010. Several of the bands on my list have reunited in the year that has passed.

Again, the rule is as follows:

All members as of this writing must be alive. This is why The Replacements, The Birthday Party and The Gun Club are not on the list, unfortunately, because they sure as shit would be.

Annotated list:

1. Fugazi (just do it!)
2. The Grifters (just do it! I know, no one knows who the fuck you guys were, but the band was brilliant)
3. The Smiths (stop me...)
4. Swans - Reunited without Jarboe. Awesome, but this does not count. They stay on the list.
5. Bikini Kill (this is a no brainer, except that there's no such thing as a RIOT GIRL anymore - shame)
6. Japan - Mick Karn, amazing bass player, died this year, which fucking sucks. They are off the list. Replaced by:
6. The Giraffes
7. Hüsker Dü (just fucking do it Grant Hart)
8. The Leaving Trains (James! We just covered "Cigarette Motel" last night. You're back catalog is good! How the fuck are you paying your rent???)
9. Galaxy 500 - Dean has been doing "Galaxie 500" shows. This does not count. They stay on the list.
10. Shockabilly (Kramer? Eugene? David?)
11. Sleater-Kinney (in time, I know. You'll probably be the first off the list next year)
12. The Toiling Midgets w/ Mark Eitzel (NEVER gonna happen, but should)
13. The Afghan Whigs (Greg, The Twilight Singers and The Gutter Twins are awesome - but...)
14. Roxy Music w/ Brian Eno (apparently dismissed recently, dammit!)
15. Genesis w/ Peter Gabriel (apparently dismissed recently, but THE LAMB 2011? C'mon, high notes or not!)
16. Guided By Voices - They reunited the 'classic line-up,' which I saw twice in December. One of those shows was their 'final ever' show at the terminally fetid Terminal 5. Turns out that wasn't true. They have shows booked through this Summer. They are off the list, not only for ripping me off but because they did the right thing and reunited. They're playing Brooklyn, by the way...Which means there's room for one more. Replaced by:
16. Big Black
17. At The Drive-In (eventually, right, boys?)
18. Oingo Boingo (probably not, but it would be bad-ass)
19. PIL (with Keith Levene and Jah Wobble) - Reunited WITHOUT Keith or Jah. This does not count. They stay on the list, although they are dangerously close to being removed, a la GBV. Hey John Lydon! Do you read this? Apparently not...
20. Uncle Tupelo (this is a no brainer - how about I move you guys up to #3?)

I've been listening to a lot of Fugazi in the past two days (since rehearsal) and I gotta say at this moment in time, there is a reason I moved them up to #1. I miss them. Everything about them - can't sing, brilliant musicians, don't care, politics, $5 tickets and a fucking bad ass, never not-memorable show. The Giraffes should probably be at #2. I saw Fugazi 5 times, the last time on The Mall in D.C. for free in 100 degree heat, probably, when Bobby? 2000? I saw The Giraffes only once, February 5, 2011 - their final show, and it was not enough.

Don't forget this. Ever. Without music in your life, whatever the fuck you listen to - your life would suck.

Or at least mine would.

What is good for the future? What was good for the past? What is good for the future don't last...

...and that makes me sad. A bit.

Cover Star: Fugazi in a photo I wish I had taken.
Headlining Band: Fugazi

James M. Graham, Website
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James M. Graham, Monograph

After The Moon, I Should Go...

2011-05-08T00:00:00.008-04:00

Saturday in the universe synopsis:

A friend's friend's friend committed suicide this week. I understand that shitty feeling, albeit twice removed.

Another friend got all the shit (two books and a shirt) I've been promising him for a year. I know that feeling too. Long coming elation, I hope.

I made a new friend last night. Bonded on many levels, a lot in common, or at least a shared sensibility. I know that feeling too. It's a good one and rare.

Many of my friends are feeling sick. I got that too. Feel better!

THE ASS KITTENS first practice is on Monday. As I said to my drummer last night, by this time next year, we'll be playing high school gymnasiums. AND you're damn right we will be! I've been practicing all week, bitches.

I miss all my friends, but I especially miss the first friend on the list here. A lot.

Witching hour...

Cover Star: CD
Headlining Band: SP

James M. Graham, Website
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James M. Graham, Monograph

Fingernails and a Cigarette's a Lousy Dinner

2011-04-30T22:33:00.010-04:00

Did a video interview with The mOrgans last night and got great stuff. Women should not drink an alcoholic beverage during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. "So, what color are your eyes, really?" Attended a "Royal Wedding" event on the roof of The Roosevelt Hotel. I made another appointment for next Saturday at 5pm. Dressed to the nines and a half. Sha na na. "Texas Hot Link." Listened to a conversation, going nowhere, about adoption versus natural birth realizing the whole time, that none of the participants should ever have children under any circumstance. Snubbed. Saw the sun come up, sore and irritable. Don't cry, don't fight. "I'm not a photographer like you, but I think I have a great eye." Apparently, Smokey threw Julie away, however, the jury is still out. Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery. Chick wouldn't 'touch-up' my tattoo today because she thought it hadn't healed. I suppose she did too. Scanning negatives, working. "Don't forget the small people." It's fucking healed. Shopping for necessities. Not shaving, but fuck it, it's Saturday. You know, I've got the right. And then I thought...

Hey! Hey! Hey! Yeah, you! Fuckers!

Looking forward to the beginning of the week. The VERY beginning of the week. A lot.

I'll definitely shave. La di da, indeed.

This is one of the greatest 'love songs' ever written. Listen.

Cover Star: SP
Headlining Band: Da Mats

James M. Graham, Website
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James M. Graham, Monograph

Definition(s)

2011-04-28T23:30:00.013-04:00

I have a couple of "golden rules" - and they're not the ones you are probably thinking of. Think of them photography-wise:

1) I'm not really good with vague, in fact, I'm really bad with it.

Say what you mean. It's not hard.

Take a minute. Level. I can take it. At least that gives me something to work with.

2) And for fucking christ's sake, do not ask me just to occupy your down time. As a distraction, a time-waster, a pawn in your own personal chess game...

Don't ever do that.

I don't want to be left on the outside.

And don't get me wrong, no one should ever kill another person, either.

I think I know you and I don't think that you want me to...

Cover Star: SP
Headlining Band: Mark Lanegan

James M. Graham, Website
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James M. Graham, Monograph

Mirror

2011-04-26T15:42:00.007-04:00

Now that I reconsider it, it's very Mapplethorpe of me. And not on purpose. Odd.

Whatever. Just listen to the fucking song. That changes everything. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, fucking blah.

I'll be dead soon, and so will you.

; )

Cover Star: SP
Headlining Band: Da Giraffes

James M. Graham, Website
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James M. Graham, Monograph

You Can Gaze Right Out My Window.

2011-04-26T09:56:00.005-04:00

I'm gonna enter through your nose, your eye, your ear, your tongue. The march has just begun. Let's make no mistake about it. My radio is everything.

Good morning.

Cover Star: CB
Headlining Band: Da Giraffes

James M. Graham, Website
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James M. Graham, Monograph

Your Eyes Should Always Say Maybe

2011-04-23T04:57:00.006-04:00

There are more than four poignant memories, but here are four:

1) You believed in me and I did not let you down.

2) I stood up for my people, you threw a keyboard across the room, it exploded, and I chased you as you ran for the elevator, shouting "Don't fucking run away from me!" And the next morning you bought fig newtons and put them on my desk as a peace offering. When I talked to you about running away, you said you ran because you wanted to hit me.

3) Indianapolis, IN, me and you in a car, hardly knew each other. Right before the Sony screening, we pulled into a liquor store and got a six of Mickey's Big Mouths. We drank three each, me behind the wheel. And you said, something like "Damn, James Graham, you can drink." And then we went to that steak house...high as kites.

4) All those nights at that bar on West Broadway, long gone, called The Construction Zone. They had popcorn. And you said over and over to Tracy and I, "We're right, right?" And we agreed. And we were.

We were pioneers. And no one can take that away from us.

Although, I'm not sure what it gives us in return. Except stories.

Cover Star: Elena
Headlining Band: Heartless Bastards

James M. Graham, Website
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James M. Graham, Monograph

Messiah Complex

2011-04-21T23:49:00.004-04:00

This only happens when it happens and mostly when you have nothing else to do, or you are incredibly traumatized. See the Peter Weir film with Jeff Bridges entitled "Fearless." Or be incredibly bored. But it happens to me. Often. At least in this city.

I was on the subway tonight. Listening to this song in my headphones. A note on headphones:

I've gone on the record saying that I will never listen to music in NYC through headphones for two very good reasons - stick with me.

1) My hearing is shot from too many punk rock shows. Hunh? I don't want to damage it any further. You can't be in THE ASS KITTENS and be deaf. Not yet.

2) I don't want to get run over by an errant cab, car, bullet or evil/oblivious passersby. You can't be in THE ASS KITTENS and be dead. Not yet.

So I will never listen to music in headphones. Unless I get an iPhone and can transfer all my favorite music to it.

Anyway...

I was on the subway tonight. Listening to this song in my headphones.

And my beloved NYC, with this song blasting into my near deaf ears, became surreal. I was no longer walking. I was floating, I was transcendent. I was one with a personal soundtrack. The National WERE talking to ME.

And I know that wasn't the case, but it kinda seemed that way.

So:

I was on the subway tonight. Listening to this song in my headphones.

And I was standing with my back to the door, probably leaning on it, which the sticker across from me tells me acutely not to do.

And across from me, to my left was this guy with restless/nervous/twitchy leg syndrome. His legs were going at 100 mph. And to my right was this guy with restless/nervous/twitchy leg syndrome. His legs were going at 100 mph.

I looked at both of them dead in the eyes, one after another with my headphones on. With calm, with forgiveness, with mostly "Stop fucking doing that" but with a reassuring smile.

And within seconds, they both stopped twitching their fucking legs.

And they didn't twitch for three more stops - roughly 15 more minutes. And I kept checking up on them, and I would catch them looking back at me, like "I got it man, it's all good now."

Weirdly satisfying. And then I got off at Union Street, but not without looking back at both off them reassuringly, with my headphones still on. Floating.

Now, if I could just stop twitching...

You might need me more than you think you will.

Cover Star: Celia
Headlining Band: Da Nat

James M. Graham, Website
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James M. Graham, Monograph

Some Will Live to Love Another Day and Some of Us Won't

2011-04-21T03:43:00.007-04:00

Thursday morning in the universe.

All right. Yeah.

Cover Star: Marzena
Headlining Band: Bad Seeds

James M. Graham, Website
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James M. Graham, Monograph

Get Him Out of Your System

2011-04-17T03:33:00.003-04:00

Daisy fresh and arrow straight...

Cover Star: Stoya
Headlining Band: The Nat

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

Practicing...

2011-04-16T02:21:00.003-04:00

..vocals.

Note to self...if you could just close your eyes and go the fuck to sleep...

Cover Star: Minx
Headlining Band: Pulp

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

My Cantina

2011-04-14T00:28:00.006-04:00

She said, "Do you like opiates?"

Fuck it, THE ASS KITTENS are rehearsing on Sunday. Even if I have to do it by my fucking self.

Committed? Fuck yeah!

I just want to sing.

Cover Star: Self-Portrait, tonight and NOT from the "Outtakes" show...April 22nd @ The Dash Gallery, 172 Duane Street, TriBeCa. Please come by and hug me.
Headlining Band: Mr. Zimmerman

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

Lit Up

2011-04-11T19:28:00.005-04:00

Monday night in the universe. Slowly, the planet goes around the sun.

Just waiting, standing, pining for Tuesday.

Oh, universe, please do not disappoint me.

I try to untie...

Cover Star: Ieva, from the "Outtakes" show...April 22nd @ The Dash Gallery, 172 Duane Street, TriBeCa. Please come by and hug me.
Headlining Band: The National

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

Meanwhile...

2011-04-09T23:26:00.006-04:00

We get high in backseats of cars
We break into mobile homes
We go to sleep to shake up you
And then wake up on our own...

Cover Star: Renee
Headlining Band: Spoon, referencing Iggy, etc...

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

Right Now...

2011-04-09T01:07:00.007-04:00

...we gotta work together, it's been too long.

Cover Star: Katy
Headlining Band: Beasties. It's been a Beastie day, amongst other things.

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

You Bring The Smokes, I'll Bring The Beer...

2011-04-05T23:59:00.002-04:00

Can't we just wait together?

Cover Star: Rebecca, 2005.
Headlining Band: Amanda Fucking Palmer

James M. Graham, Website
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James M. Graham, Monograph

Heavy Rotation

2011-04-04T17:39:00.012-04:00

Fingers crossed. I can put a fire out like nobody's business, after all, I am an Eagle Scout...

I try not to. I try to let it burn.

Stick with me.

I LOVE FIRE.

Everything's gonna be ok, isn't it?

Nostalgia will kill you. As will the present.

The song: Not only my favorite Greg Elkins guitar solo, but right up there with my favorite guitar solos ever. Listen. I wasn't there, but he was crying.

There is one better. But that's for another time.

There's nothing worse than pouring wine into an ashtray...

Cover Star: Jennifer, from 2004. Somewhere in Brooklyn.
Headlining Band: Vanilla Trainwreck

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

Sleep, Think, Sleep...

2011-04-03T23:57:00.004-04:00

Not the best night for me.

Tattoo is healing. Interpersonal communication?

We'll see.

Irregardless, here's Jessalyn. Laughing, of all things...

Cover Star: Jess, from 2008.
Headlining Band: ALICE fucking COOPER

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

The Final Outtake

2011-03-29T23:50:00.008-04:00

From the K&R shoot.

This post is dedicated to:
A very good friend of mine who passed her driving test today.
My band members, Anne and Phil, who get my direction.
Brian, who needs to feel better. Quickly.
MCK, who constantly tells me what the fuck 'football" means.
My girl on her hard work and her shows this week.

And my old friend Bob, who I get to see tomorrow after 16 years...

And you don't think I like people?
I don't.
I just like THESE people.

Two heads are better than one...

Cover Star: K&R Outtake
Headlining Band: The Giraffes, RIP.

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

Exhausted

2011-03-27T18:49:00.005-04:00

"I'm not around that much
Running, exhausted and lost
If it could be undone
Will it have costed?
It's taught and lost...

Blowing away we stray, wilted
Insulted, at fault
What if the day had stayed in bed?
These baubles we've brought
At fault

After the bliss has long ended
This caution, this fault
Give me a breeze that's long-winded
Accosted, adult arrested"

Yeah. I'm ready...

Cover Star: K&R Outtake
Headlining Band: Mr. Grohl.

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

Done

2011-03-27T14:44:00.009-04:00

K&R editorial is finished. Ten pages, credits, pull quotes, and font references.

As I told the publisher, "I aim to please."

Thanks to a fantastic team (Ryan! Sharm! Cristi!), a beautiful and patient model (Aliona @ FentonMoon), and a wonderful location (The Lafayette House).

An extra special thanks to CD for helping me decide on the final edit. To The Grifters, no less, and you almost knew every word. Like I've always told you, you have a great eye and spot-on sensibility. Kiss!

I couldn't be happier. Waiting for the crash...

AND, my tattoo itches like a motherfucker...

Cover Star: K&R Outtake
Headlining Band: The motherfucking Giraffes, RIP. Sonic Majesty, live.

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

Upside Down and Empty...

2011-03-26T21:40:00.004-04:00

Final edit for "Karin & Raoul" almost done. Need a couple of more eyes. As always.

Feeling tired, distant and removed. Spent some time today with someone I really care about and - I just wasn't there, completely. But she gets it, I hope.

Shot some photos of a great and beautiful friend this evening, which was easy and inspiring.

Sometimes it's hard just being yourself. Who is that? It changes every fucking day. But there is a kernel there, the last onion layer.

My tattoo itches.

Cover Star: K&R Selection Process
Headlining Band: My beloved The Grifters. Thank you Gregory. I miss you.
James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

Ain't I Right?

2011-03-25T11:09:00.003-04:00

As the saying goes, "If it feels good to you, it must feel real good for you."

Choosing 10 of 80.

Gotta say, I was fucked from the start...

Cover Star: Outtake
Headlining Band: The Giraffes

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

Welcome To My Life...

2011-03-24T14:59:00.003-04:00

Radio London reminds you - go to the church of your choice...

Cover Star: Anyssa
Headlining Band: THE WHO

James M. Graham, Website
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James M. Graham, Monograph

Again and Again

2011-03-19T17:31:00.002-04:00

K & R shoot is in 'the can.'

Long day. Long night.

Fantastic stuff.

Cover Star: Ryan, Aliona, & Sharmeen makin' it.
Headlining Band: Queens

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

Can't Pay Attention to the Sound of Anyone

2011-03-15T23:23:00.007-04:00

Pre-produced a shoot today for Friday. MUA, Hair, Model from FentonMoon, a reluctant Stylist. And it fucking wore me out. Business as usual.

Location tomorrow. Thinking The Lafayette House, since I saw it firsthand when my buddy Christopher shot there two weeks - to the day - ago.

Karin & Raoul. Print and on-line. And a little video documentary.

Should be good. Should be better than good. Should be brilliant, considering the parties involved.

Will be.

Sometimes it's good to have people push you. Thanks, HK.

All shots will be Fuji Neopan 400, since they recently discontinued my FAVORITE film stock...so that will be a small challenge.

This shoot will be the 2nd best highlight of my week. Tomorrow is my #1 highlight...

...29 years.

Cover Star: Kayla
Headlining Band: The National, live on KEXP

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

Goodnight

2011-03-15T01:31:00.002-04:00

My eyes hurt.
I'm tired.
Some extra special, not so used often, muscles are screaming.
Time for sleep...

Cover Star: SP
Headlining Band: Mr. Grohl

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

Some Nights...

2011-03-13T22:54:00.003-04:00

...you just want to kill yourself.

My enchiladas were just delivered to my door.

And I've got a lot of work to do.

Still.

C'est La Vie...

Cover Star: Juliet
Headlining Band: The fucking Twilight Singers

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

Noise!

2011-03-13T12:30:00.007-04:00

Silence is overwhelming sometimes. Most of the time.

Predictable.

"I Wanna Be Your Dog" piano...
A gun. The ceiling on fire. Recurring themes.
All of this must have come from somewhere.

I love Iggy. My ceiling was on fire once. The "gun" - not so much. I shot my Dad in the head with a BB gun. I'd probably write about that if I had a band.

Oh, wait...
Chainsaw guitar. Starts off strong...

I hope we get it on. I'm ready...

Cover Star: Kimberly, who I miss...
Headlining Band: The fucking Twilight Singers

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

Dark Circles Around Your Body

2011-03-12T01:44:00.005-05:00

Once the feeling calls...
Scratch through the ceiling...
Now you're demonized...
Slips your aching heart...

I'm gonna write a bunch of songs about you.
Or take a bunch of pichers of you.

Probably the latter...

Cover Star: Jen
Headlining Band: The fucking Twilight Singers

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

Come On Over...

2011-03-10T21:41:00.007-05:00

"The sun's a strange light, nothing grows right anymore
Scars on every stalk
Whose mouth should I use to talk?
The force that marks the routine
Temperature whatever degrees create the bad thing
And lay our heads in it now

Now it's hard to punch the clock on the site where production stopped
I'm just a warehouse filled with junk
Some somethings for some someone's tacking
Time with tracking eye, tectonic shifts one nerve at a time
I lay my head in it

A hundred plans to fortify beige concrete goes on for miles
Hiding cities under it, fill my mouth with with non-mouth spit there was a light at
The window there was light under the door but it's not there anymore
Come on over, get your shoes on, get your feet on baby, come on over"

Seriously. If you want one of these shirts, ask me. $25.

Help build the cult...

T-shirt design by Sarah Gold and James Graham. On a bar napkin at Fontana's.

Management was present.

Cover Star: The Ass Kittens Limited Edition T-shirt
Headlining Band: Fugazi, who I detest for not being a band anymore.

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

A Good Man Is So Hard To Find

2011-03-06T01:32:00.004-05:00

Help me with my bloodcount.

You only have five more minutes...

Cover Star: Self Portrait, 2011.
Headlining Band: The Giraffes, RIP.

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

Julie

2011-03-05T20:38:00.006-05:00

I blew up your body, but you blew my mind!

I love you Smokey!

Toad Hall - my second home.

Inside joke, well played. If I do say so myself...

Cover Star: Julie
Headlining Band: Roxy Music

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

I Have an Audience With The Pope

2011-03-05T00:50:00.004-05:00

And I'm saving the world at eight.
But is she says she needs me
If she says she needs me
Everybody's gonna have to wait...

Cover Star: Rachel
Headlining Band: Elbow

James M. Graham, Website
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Pooh

2011-03-04T04:55:00.003-05:00

Read this.
Read this again.
Read this often.
Read this to someone you love.
Trust me.

Cover Star: Pooh
Headlining Band: The Giraffes, RIP.

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

Find Her

2011-03-01T22:44:00.006-05:00

I feel like I have...

Cover Star: Lady Jane, 2009.
Headlining Band: The Rolling Stones

James M. Graham, Website
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Thinking About My Grandmother

2011-02-27T16:13:00.010-05:00

Lessie Cameron Graham.

This ceramic dog planter sat on her mantelpiece in the dining room for as long as I can remember. Maybe someone gave it to her full of flowers when my Great Grandmother Ada passed away in 1971, I don't know. But when my father asked me if I wanted anything, this is what I asked for.

She would have never approved of this soundtrack, but I do...

She was heavy...even at 85 pounds.

I can see her in her kitchen right now, baking biscuits and telling me to be "good."

And it is breaking my heart.

I didn't cry when she died. She lived to be 94. That's badass. And the way she went out is legendary. I just tried to help my Dad, an only child, get through it.

But I'm crying now.

It's about time.

I miss her.

Cover Star: My Kitchen on President Street, 2011
Headlining Band: The Giraffes, RIP

James M. Graham, Website
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James M. Graham, Monograph

It's Really Difficult To Look Into The Lens End of a Camera and Find the Truth

2011-02-26T16:06:00.007-05:00

"Music, did you say 'music'? Yeah, you know, it's funny. It's a lot like that. It's a lot like the distant chaos of an orchestra tuning up. And then somebody waves a magic wand. And all of those notes start to slide into place. And a grotesque, screetching cacophony becomes a single melody..."

Cover Star: Rachel, 2011
Headlining Band: The Giraffes (live), RIP

James M. Graham, Website
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James M. Graham, Monograph

The Right Direction

2011-02-21T22:21:00.005-05:00

My neighbors hate me...

...I won't be here for much longer.

I want the best for me, just me and my kids...

Cover Star: Renee, 2006
Headlining Band: The Giraffes, RIP.

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

Everyone's Scared

2011-02-20T02:24:00.006-05:00

"When there ain't no whiskey left behind any door...."

And there's plenty of whiskey...

Cover Star: Tiana
Headlining Band: The Giraffes, RIP.

James M. Graham, Website
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James M. Graham, Monograph

I'm Such a Tease and You're Such a Flirt...

2011-02-18T23:45:00.004-05:00

The ashes rise up and then fall back to the ground.
But the source of the ashes is still on fire.

One of the few songs on the new Radiohead album where you can actually hear the guitar. I do miss Mr. Greenwood's sonic histrionics, but if they are good with this - then so am I. There's not a band on the planet like this, kids. And they constantly amaze and most importantly, evolve.

Did we learn something today?

Cover Star: SP, 02-18-2011
Headlining Band: Radiohead. Today.

James M. Graham, Website
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James M. Graham, Monograph

You're In It Now...

2011-02-18T04:07:00.006-05:00

Cover Star: Steffi @ APM
Headlining Band: Ms. Harvey

James M. Graham, Website
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Languid

2011-02-16T01:08:00.004-05:00

Seeking nourishment.
Seeking solace.
Seeking feeling.
Seeking you...

Today, I spoiled myself
On all of the above.

One cannot lend a book. It has to be a gift.

Black out the windows, it's party time. Wait...is that someone on the phone?

Don't answer that...

Cover Star: Stacee - Seattle, 2007.
Headlining Band: The Twilight Singers

James M. Graham, Website
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James M. Graham, Monograph

Back When Blood Was Still All The Rage...

2011-02-14T01:03:00.007-05:00

Just one cup would have them all plastered.

It's hardly enough to make a man stay...and most of the carpeting has rotted away.

But the beams in the ceiling seem ready for anything...

Eyes of mercy. Tenderly rubbed my face in hands stuffed in rubber gloves.

My hair is back in a hair band.

Cover Star: Rachel in The Chelsea Hotel, today...
Headlining Band: The fucking Giraffes, RIP.

James M. Graham, Website
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James M. Graham, Monograph

The Gift of Smiles

2011-02-12T03:08:00.014-05:00

I saw:

A friend enjoy his 40th birthday
A bunch of his friends show up to celebrate said birthday
A cake and a custom tassel dance
A man who is, despite what he thinks, loved

The weight on my legs ended far too soon.

The walk to Chrystie Street was really, really tough.

Cover Star: Monroe @ Major, a 16" x 20" gift tonight.
Headlining Band: GBV, who apparently just won't quit...

James M. Graham, Website
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James M. Graham, Monograph

I Went Under

2011-02-10T22:23:00.011-05:00

Too many days without sleep.
Too much shit to do.
Too much shit to worry about.
Too much cough syrup.

Too.
Much.

Let's simplify -

Fortune cookie says:
Rub head, sleep like rock.

It also says:
16, 47, 30, 51, 44, 14

I can hear that whistle blowin', those horns honkin', those kids screamin'.

Coffee in the mornin'...

Cover Star: Self-portrait, and it looks exactly like me
Headlining Band: Bobby Z.

James M. Graham, Website
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James M. Graham, Monograph

Edamame & Shumai

2011-02-09T00:38:00.005-05:00

A perfectly delicious late night meal, especially shared with someone else...

"Municipal girl on the end of the line
Tell me my numbers
Send me some batteries
Stay out of sight, out of mind..."

Cover Star: Katy (Diptych)
Headlining Band: The Giraffes (live). RIP.

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

When's The Last TIme You Cried At A Show?

2011-02-06T05:03:00.004-05:00

I know the first and last time I did.

Ask me. It was tonight.

My schedule is off by a good 12 hours.

Shoot tomorrow at 3pm.

Then bliss.

You have no idea...

Cover Star: Sita and her camera
Headlining Band: The Giraffes. RIP.

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph

See-Saw, Chainsaw, I Think...

2011-02-04T05:48:00.003-05:00

All alone, I can count the numbers adding up.
Twice in one day, I should be careful, no, I know
Sometimes it turns out wrong
Do I have to spell it out like curse words?

Twice in one week? Really, something should be done
You've been gone for so long

Go ahead, make my day shift...

Cover Star: Larry Brown, RIP
Headlining Band: My beloved The Grifters

James M. Graham, Website
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James M. Graham, Monograph

All the Hunger, And All The Pride...

2011-02-03T23:48:00.007-05:00

Better mood. Much better mood. It's amazing, these "wednesday' shifts. The people that grab you and tell you 'yes...'

Help...

48 hours until the 'last' The Giraffes show.

And I know none of you give a fuck.

But I do.

Feelin' all punk rocky. And that's a really, really good thing...

Cover Star: Moi
Headlining Band: The Giraffes

James M. Graham, Website
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James M. Graham, Monograph

Fuck Everything

2011-02-01T23:28:00.003-05:00

I'm in a bad mood. And a night out with friends didn't make me any more happier.

Whatever. Not their fault. Mine.

Bear with me. But for god's sake, listen to the fucking music.

It's the only thing that's getting me through this...

A salty salute. We live in the city. This town, my town, your town, MY TOWN, this town, this town is never going down...

Cover Star: Nothing
Headlining Band: The Giraffes

James M. Graham, Website
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James M. Graham, Monograph

Two Heads Are Better Than One...

2011-01-31T23:42:00.002-05:00

I've been thinking a lot about Egypt.
I've been thinking a lot about the punk rock ethos. I've taken hits for it before, but fuck it, shit doesn't get done without it. That's what's happening in Egypt right now - out with the old, in with the new, and the we're not going to take it anymore attitude will prevail.

The mob rules. It always will.

If you do not give it to us, we're gonna take it.

And they're taking it. Obviously.

101.

My life pales in comparison to this plight. I'm jittery. I'm sad. I'm trying not to hurt people and at the same time trying to woo others.

To what end?

Happiness.

I sit here in Brooklyn, NY - USA and listen to podcasts, and music and I'm actually able to take photographs of myself to post here. Whilst drinking wine, and talking to friends and wishing that I was somewhere else, with someone else, but never in fear of bombs or the Police.

I'm lucky.

I'm lucky.

Remind yourself of that. Often. Me. You.

It's really fucked up out there...

We don't have it so bad at all. Grab someone you love and kiss them.

It might mean nothing, something, everything.

Take your last breath...

I do often.

Cover Star: Moi
Headlining Band: The Giraffes

James M. Graham, Website
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James M. Graham, Monograph

I Think She Saw Me On The Subway Train...

2011-01-30T17:36:00.002-05:00

Cover Star: Natsuko
Headlining Band: The Giraffes

James M. Graham, Website
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James M. Graham, Monograph

It's So Easy To Seperate The Rights From The Wrongs...

2011-01-29T23:11:00.005-05:00

"I’ve had it with you fucking clowns
I’ve had it with you all chasing me
I just want a little peace and quiet
You fucking clowns are destroying me

I don’t want to answer the telephone
I don’t want to talk at all
I just want the clowns to leave me alone
I don’t want the clowns to call

We’d all be better off
If we gave each other a little space
Take your make up off now
Look in the mirror at your face

And as sure as it’s off
You’ll put it right back on
Cause that’s what you clowns do
Do this, leave me and the children alone"

- "Telephone," The Ass Kittens

Cover Star: Livvy w/ her skateboard
Headlining Band: The Giraffes

James M. Graham, Website
James M. Graham, Tumblr
James M. Graham, Monograph