Ox

03.22.06

The plan was to plaster SXSW in BUST magazines. After a delay-plagued trip, Maggie—BUST’s beautifully tattooed Vietnam via San Fran director of advertising—and I eventually met in Austin, TX on Wednesday night. Missed the Dansettes show, but made it for last call enchiladas at Guero’s (sitting across from the Beastie Boys, their very large body guard, and another guy who I could’ve sworn was that famous Backstage Sluts porn director—but I’d like to think I’m wrong). And then the Ark at the Dirty Dog Bar. Nope, 11 times seeing the Ark is still not enough. Maggie’s mind was blown, and I fell in love once again. So what if he wears tight white short shorts and prefers boys.

SXSW reports are pouring in about Morrissey’s numerous shirt changes and the empty venue during Goldfrapp’s performance, but I’d like to think Cha Cha Charming is unique in its ability to provide the full, dirty details on Canadian singer-songwriter, Ox. I wasn’t aware of him either, until Maggie and I took our lunch in the BMI Music Hall where Ox gave his solo performance. I nearly choked on my lasagna during “Trailer Trash Girl,” where Ox expressed his intent to “park my truck in your mouth” and “come again and again” in “this room that stinks of shit.” People, this man was for real!! 100% irony free. I tell you, the Ark and the Gossip and these adorable Irish gals, the Chalets all put on brilliant, energetic shows, but Ox has got to be my pick of SXSW. I’ve never seen anything like him. And for someone to sing those lyrics with such sincerity and passion. Completely amazing.

Here he is, in all his Seattle circa 1991 glory!

BUST has been sponsoring the tour of fiery and feminist threesome, the Gossip, so we spent a lot of time at both Gossip gigs handing out copies of the new BUST (with cover girl Gretchen Mol as Bettie Page) and falling under Beth Ditto’s soulful spell. She was on fire! What a performer. Here’s Beth + I at the Kill Rock Stars showcase.

And here’s Maggie + Nathan of the Gossip following their gig with the Ark (can you believe it? Two of my fave current bands playing the same gig!).

Ola of the Ark gets dooown and dirty at Emo’s on Saturday afternoon.

BUSTies on S. Congress Ave.

More homo-erotic eye candy.

I forgot to take photos on my last night in Austin where I went from the Duke Spirit @ Maggie Mae’s to the Charlatans across the street (boy, did they suck) to a walking tour of Austin with like 40 British guys on the prowl for booze. When our pleading the Hilton hotel to open their bar to the alcohol-hungry proved unsuccessful, off we went in a cab to the Dim Mak party in some massive lot. At that point I couldn’t tell if I was in Austin or England. The Brits took over. I declined the invitation for post-party hotel partying and headed back my hotel.

It’s Tuesday. I’m still recovering, but I’ve got the Ark on Thursday. And I’m DJing the Gossip after-party on Saturday night. This party is invite only, so if you wanna come out, e-mail me.

Sheila

Posted by Sheila at 12:15 AM

sleeping in

03.10.06

No parties for me this weekend. Just soup, tea, and vitamin C. And prayers that I get well before heading off to Austin, Texas on Wednesday for SXSW! BUST is hooking up with Kill Rock Stars’ trio, the Gossip as well as Beggars Banquet for a bunch of day + night parties. Last year I ended up in a hot tub 30 miles outside of town with Texan high school kids and Scandinavian rock stars. Hopefully this year’s fest will bring more insanity.

The clean and conservative Vice Magazine interviewed me about One Kiss Can Lead To Another for their most recent issue. You can read the interview here. “Sheila Burgel knows fucking EVERYTHING about girl groups”—I think that just might be the highest compliment I’ve ever been paid. Thanks June Sprig!

There seems to be some confusion over my religious background. A Cha Cha Charming reader said that I’m a Sephardic Jew on my Iranian side, and an Ashkenaz Jew on my German side. “Why hide it, and why be misleading?” she asked. Uh....cos I’m not Jewish. I’m not religious. Period.

The one-year anniversary of Le One Night Stand has been confirmed for Thursday April 6th at the spacious Japanese ballroom, Hiro. We’ll be honoring Serge Gainsbourg all night long with live performances and your LONS resident DJs Melody Nelson, Peppermintwist, Josh Styles, and moi. Details are in the works, but click here to see what we’ve got planned so far.

Last Friday Mary + I attended the Behind Blythe opening, where doll luvers gathered for wine and collective hair-combing. Nothing like a room full of Blythe dolls decked out in Versace and kimonos to brighten a girl’s day.

So I feel like hell and can barely keep my head off the pillow, but it’s nearly spring outside. And I can listen to “Sara” again.

Sheila

Posted by Sheila at 08:19 PM