well, we're all done with the Taste of Chicago and it was quite an adventure.  if you would like to stream/download audio from the performance check out: http://www.archive.org/details/WallyDoggerLiveAtTheTasteOfChicago

I guess the weirdest part of this show is we kind of advertised and expected it to be our "last show."  after an intense winter tour out and playing together for four years, I guess we figured it was a good time/place to say farewell. 

there were a few FIRSTs for this performance...

» first time we all played together dead sober...not even one beer, which is pretty unusual for our band.
» first time Pauly played in shorts.  I felt pretty awkward without jeans, but damn it was hot!!  I think it hit somewhere in the 90s.
» first time I couldn't swear at a full-band show (we've done a couple acoustic/radio sets where it had to be family friendly, but never a fuzzed out rocker.  I had to omit or change words.  it was especially hard on Karma Slapped Me in the Face and You're Always Bitchy When I Call -- you can check out the audio for that).
» first time we played 17 songs without a break.  it was very exhausting by the end, but felt awesome to do a long set.

Anyway, we had a blast and I'm fairly certain we'll be playing some live shows again soon.  I've got a whole new album worth of live tunes written now.  You can hear the demos at http://www.myspace.com/chasingdinosaurs

so I guess I'll leave you with some pics from the Taste.  thanks so much to everyone who came out, skipped work, made signs, and screamed the swear words I wasn't allowed to say. 

we love you.
i'll let you know what we end up doing...
~pauly

 

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

 

 

p.s. this sign was posted in front of the stage.  of course my dad taped anyway, enjoy the illegal recording! 

So I was in a really strange mood today. It's chilly and rainy (again) and there's been a stomach bug floating around my house since Saturday. No fun. After some very early morning emailing for work I decided to take a nap. I slept from 8:00 AM to noon!
 
Now this is strange for a variety of reasons: 1. I normally don't sleep well, typically 4-5 hours a night of broken sleep 2. When I woke up I had no idea where I was or even what year it was. I had one of those sleep experiences that are so deep that when you awake your mind actually has to catch up (or return to) your physical self. I used to wake up like this all the time back in high school. After a sleep like this you actually feel refreshed, energetic and ready to do something incredible. That's not to say I don't get those same feelings anymore - it's just been awhile since I've been truly inspired.

So anyway, I got up, showered and went downstairs to say hi to our Nanny (Deborah) and the babies. Then I went for a 3 hour walk. When I returned home I had in my possession 2 new CD's and 2 new records. More importantly I acquired these items from our local record store, Hard Boiled. For those of you who have not been to Hard Boiled on Roscoe - it's a place you definitely have to visit at least once. The owner there (Mark) is, for a lack of a better term, misunderstood. If you go there looking for the latest Dave Mathews Band album, he will not have it and will look at you as if you are dumb bastard. However he has an amazing selection of kung fu movies and a really great selection music for anyone that enjoys bands like Acid Mothers Temple (which are a fantastic band to see live)...or in my case someone looking to buy a vinyl copy of Frank Zappa's "Joe's Garage". I also bought an earlier album from Explosions in the Sky who I saw for the first time last summer. They're pretty good and excellent music to have on in the background.

But I digress - during my walk I thought a lot about music. Frigin music man... friend, mother, secret lover. It made me think a lot about being a musician in general and a lot more about being a music fan...especially about being a live music fan. I encourage people to get out there and see more live music...especially in Chicago. There are some great bands in this town and some great bands that come through this town (I was pretty bummed that I was sick last night and missed Lightning Love at Schubas). I guess my overall point to this random rant is that everyone should take the time to remember what brings you inspiration. Whatever it may be, make time for it. It's good for the soul. 
 
I'm feeling pretty good and excited about the state of music today. I feel good about all the shows that have inspired me and all the shows that will inspire me. Tonight I’m going to go out and watch some bands that I’ve never even heard of just to see what’s out there. (I'm going to check out Martyrs’ for anyone up for an adventure). 

Speaking of inspiration - I would like to take this time to encourage everyone to go check out RF Modulator this Friday at the Mutiny (4/3). If seeing Pauly rock lead guitar isn't enough to get you off your ass...how about the fact that Kiel Phegley is their front man?! A finer front man alive? This I do not believe. If that's still not enough how about seeing Billy Clyde's new band Hewbie Hewb and the Nano Pubes...lastly but certainly not least, did I mention the Champions of frigin Breakfast will close out the night???

That's some good inspirational gravy for your potatoes my friend.

Carry on,
Donehoo

 

hey there!

I decided to do another podcast. Join me as I nurse a hangover and play some random ass songs.

http://media.switchpod.com//users/wallydogger/Podcast5.mp3

FEED: http://www.switchpod.com/users/wallydogger/feed.xml


~pauly

Seasons Greetings!

We recorded a song for XRT's 2008 Holiday Spectacular show.  It will air in Chicago on 93.1 FM and www.93xrt.com on Sunday, December 14th at 7PM with a re-broadcast on Sunday, December 21 at 7PM.

If you'd like to check it out now, visit our pureVOLUME page to stream or download it...

www.purevolume.com/wallydogger

It features the return of Jack (Donehoo's labrador), an inspiring friend who first appeared on the earliest Wally Dogger track "Ode to Jack the Dog."

Happy Holidays!

~wally dogger

p.s.  our merch is cheaper and way cooler than the crap you find at the mall...order today at www.wallydogger.com so we have time to send it to you.  every order comes with one-of-a-kind personally autographed freebies!

greetings old pal,
 
I wanted to let you know we're playing a show this Monday, November 3rd at Schuba's Tavern.   we've always wanted to play a show here & have finally lucked out!  it would mean a lot if you came out to see us.  I know it's a school night, but we play first (at 9PM).  come get some pre-election drinking in and hear some great bands...
 
also playing are THE COAST (from Toronto) & THE WIITALA BROTHERS
 
Schuba's is located at 3159 N Southport @ Belmont (MAP)
18+ ages are welcome
Tix are $8 & can be purchased in advance HERE

let us know if you have any questions: wallydogger@gmail.com
bring & friend and we'll buy you a beer!
 
we'd really love to see you!
 
xoxo,
 
~pauly, donehoo & swerve