Music - Jan. 12, 2010
Riffin' on the year in music
With 2009 laid to rest behind us and a little time to digest the year that was, it seemed a good time to ask a few local music movers and shakers what they thought of Milwaukee's music world last year: be it a favorite CD, a beloved gig, a new development. Here's what they had to say.
Tags: Prophetic, Scott Knoxx, Geraud Blanks, Eric Blowtorch, Kid Millions, Sage Schwarm, Decibully, Call Me Lightning, Willy Porter, Shank Hall, Peter Jest, Kings Go Forth, Jail, Sub Pop, Luaka Bop, Volcano Choir, Conrad Plymouth, Juniper Tar, Celebrated Workin

Music - Dec. 27, 2009
"The Alphabet" LP teaches us The Welders' ABCs
Eric Blowtorch & The Welders' latest disc -- a vinyl LP that is available for download, but is not released on CD -- has been some time in the making. But, says veteran local musician Blowtorch -- who was featured here recently when an non-LP 12" 45 was issued -- "The Alphabet" captures a moment in musical time.
Tags: Eric Blowtorch, The Welders, The Alphabet, Alpha Boys School, Dan Kubinski, Michael Bell, Nate Vest, Rico Rodriguez, Prince Jazzbo, Frank Zeidler

Sports - Aug. 11, 2009
What would I say if I dialed?
I posted a link to an article about Miracle Mets catcher Jerry Grote on my Facebook page this morning and someone commented with a mention of Amazins' southpaw Jerry Koosman. That reminded me that Koosman lives in America's Dairyland.
Tags: Google, Jerry Koosman, Eric Blowtorch, "Disco, Wis."

Music - Aug. 9, 2009
Blowtorch enlists veteran talent for new 12" 45
In Jamaica, most musicians have a record label or a record shop -- or both. And most Jamaican labels have phone numbers printed on them. So, if you know the industrious Eric Blowtorch, you'll be unsurprised to know that he has dialed a few of those phone numbers. So, don't be surprised that Blowtorch's new single features some big names in Jamaican music.
Tags: Eric Blowtorch, The Welders, Rico Rodriguez, Ariwa, Brian Edwards, King Stitt, Prince Jazzbo, Bopaganda Records, Duckie Simpson, Augustus Pablo, Salt Water, Most Dangerous Man, Visions of Alpha

Music - Jan. 28, 2009
Atomic Valentine salutes closing musical landmark
Atomic Records is a major force in the history in Milwaukee's rock and roll scene of the past three decades. Now that Atomic will be history, local musicians think that owner Rich Menning deserves a 100 megaton send-off.
Tags: Atomic Records, Damien Strigens, Liv Mueller, Miramar, John Lyman, Mark Waldoch, Eric Blowtorch, The Mighty Deer Lick, The Etiquette, Sometime Sweet Susan, Cherry Cake, The Lovelies, Boy Dirt Car, Liquid Pink