Going into the weekend, I had the grand idea that one night would be devoted to catching up on some personal work, but the idea never made it off the cutting room floor. Friday began when Noah stopped into 186 to sit around and listen to some records before our 7:30pm call. When the time arrived, we walked over to 2A where Donovan tended bar. The two of us populated an empty booth until Beach, Gigs, Christie and Merida joined the crew. Maggie joined us for a drink as she waited for Christina to show up. Around 8:30pm we hit the streets and eventually settled on El Nuevo Amanecer for some tip-top Mexican food. There are a lot of kids upset with the closing of Juanita's - totally justified by the $3 margaritas - but this Essex street joint will certainly step up and fill the shoes of our favorite bought-out establishment. Apparently Juanita's will be an Aussie inspired Fish and Chips restaurant. Here's to hoping it still rocks.

After dinner we hustled down to Bowery, but only managed to catch the last Blood on the Wall song. It didn't leave any impression on me so I just got set for my first live Yeah Yeah Yeah's experience. Wait, what's that? Yup, I've never managed to see Karen O roll around the stage in a leotard prior to this weekend. I've been a fan since the Self-Title EP came out in 2001, but for one reason or another; I always seemed to miss their shows. Does this destroy the last thread of indie cred on my finely knit sweater? Yeah, you're right - I could give a shit. Unfortunately, the reports were correct, and the set ended up being an 80%-20% ratio of new to old tunes.

(Photo from Brooklyn Vegan) Don't get me wrong, the new tunes were good, but I wanted to hear Fever To Tell from start to finish, (though I didn't expect to). The crowd lacked much excitement, but maybe they were just mesmerized by the half-retarded love child of Yoko Ono and Ziggy Stardust who pranced around the stage in a get-up that was stolen from the Norwegian ice dancers in Torino. Yes, Karen O is quite captivating despite her ability to sing. She has voice that is perfect for the style they've grown to embody. By the time they came back for an encore that included Maps and Date With The Night the back corner was out of control. So much tequila and so little memory. It's what I always expected from a Yeah Yeah Yeah's show. Tons of bloggers chimed in on the YYY's weekend:

** Brooklyn Vegan
** Yeti Don't Dance
** Modern Age
** Stereogum's Armit

Also, a note to all the bitchy folks crying about security not allowing people to shoot the band. From working at a club, I know this is not to be blamed on the staff, but rather the band. The security staff merely enforces the request of the band and their management. It was probably a "No Pro" show which is why they had to dish out some hell. Just because you have a digi-cam doesn't mean a band wants you to use it.

Saturday was a bit of a wash. After a meeting got canceled, I just sat in Kyle's room listening to records and updating my iPod. Around 4pm I cruised over to Dr. Rancheros to watch some college basketball before work. Later that evening I walked up to Webster to help set up the Stars show. For some reason Noah and I acted a bit on the crazy side the entire shift. Thankfully the show went smoothly and by 10:30pm I was back at my house trying to rally.

Somewhere before the witching hour I caught my second wind, bundled up and headed to Park Slope where Andrew, Noah and Ryan had a throw down for the Sam Champion kids who are heading on tour tomorrow with Apollo Sunshine and The Slip. When I arrived the party was a bit dead, but by 1am the place was jammed full of awesome kids. It was a good mix of new and old friends, but by the time I was clad with a bottle of tequila - it was time to go home. The night ended with a search for pizza in the frozen tundra.

Yesterday was such a toss up. The whole day was wasted on the couch until Dee, Kyle and I decided margaritas were a good way to face the evening. We hit up Juanita's to continue our self-denied alcoholism. God bless tequila.