Todd chats with the always engaging Eric D. Johnson at Johnny Brenda’s about pulling double duty in two popular bands (Fruit Bats and The Shins), album art, intimate shows and enjoying everything Philly has to offer… like a watching “a guy running down the street with a beard of puke.” Thanks, Philadelphians!

Video mavens Ken and Phil from the After School Specialists made a nifty little animated film based on one of our more inane podcast chats. Created for the UsedWigs Live event on March 19, 2010 at World Cafe Live in Philly.

Save that date, caress that date, love that date. UsedWigs Live at Upstairs at World Cafe Live with Special Guest Audible and Dave Hill!

Philly six-piece Audible recently released their latest EP “Isolette”, which as of this writing you can still download for free here – but move fast, as I’ve been assured that’s only temporary. In fact, you might want to do that now, and have these great new tunes as a companion for the review. Go ahead. I’ll wait for you.

Conan O’Brien comes to Philly — Tower Theater, Upper Darby — on June 7th. This comedy juggernaut is called “The Legally Prohibited From Being Funny On Television” Tour. Sweet!

Topics: Jon Solomon’s Annual 24-Hour Holiday Radio Show, Reunited Bands (Good Ones), Tegan and Sara Love, Albert Brooks & Comedy Minus One, Old Comedy Records, Gallagher Too, Macho Man Randy Savage & Top-notch Wrestling Music, Professional Radio Voices, Remembering Jerry Fuchs, Horrible All Star Tributes. Playlist:Tegan and Sara, White Rabbits, Kurt Vile, Obits and Maserati

Topics: Fall Fashion, Stupid J Crew Barn Jackets Revisited, Dungarees, Long Trail Beer, Overly-Coddled College Kids, Classic Childhood Meals, Beatles Reissues and Favorite TV Comedies of All Time! Playlist: Mystery of Two, Blind Pilot, Anavan, Owen and The Traditionist.

What Are Words For? Vampire Weekend’s new wordless banner ad showing just a polaroidish photo of a very cute preppy girl is pretty darn brilliant and quite effective. I clicked it and like you, I don’t usually click anything (unless its animated or has something to do with fungus). See a sample of the less-is-more ad on www.fluxblog.org. The alluring, 80s-tinged photo makes me want to reread a Jay McInerney or Bret Easton Ellis novel… and score some coke. It doesn’t however, make me want to listen to Vampire Weekend, but then again, no ad could.

We’ve Made Plans For You! Our pal Michele Melcher is having a solo art exhibition at Philly’s fantastic new Proximity Gallery. The show is titled, “Stomping Grounds” and opening night is Friday, September 4th from 5 to 9 pm. Stomp on over and enjoy some lovely illustrations!

CD: In Simple Intervals Now THIS is the type of recording that usually grabs me around this time of year — full of great pop sensibility, layered guy/girl harmonies, and chiming guitars with just the right amount of grit on them. I’m talking about the first self-released recording by Philly’s own Audible …