05 Dec 14

Beware naughty, children, The Krampus is looking for you....

Happy Holidays, blogspot readers! It's going to be a VERY busy December for this roving local scene queen as she tries to cover the many happening shows or events rockin' around town. Today was no exception. She plans not to do just 1 or 2 ...or even 3 shows in one day but 4! From downtown to Wrigleyville and Boystown, SouthSide was there rockin' with her friends all day. Her first stop was at Shop Columbia's 6th Annual Holiday Market for the art and handmade crafts done by local artisans. From displays of one of a kind posters to crochet winter wear and more - unique gift-giving items you won't find at the big box store. And besides that, there was also a rare afternoon performance by college student - Sid Yiddish and His Candy Store Henchmen!

Sid Yiddish, Denmark's native son and famous celebrity, was the featured attraction on Friday afternoon in which he performed a couple of selections off his recent CD release - "freilakkh Shtuping freilackkh" (translated - "merry fucking happy"). Songs like Sid Yiddish Meets Walt Disney and his own version of Silent Night and Jingle Bells, new listeners to Sid's unique musical  expression and composition might be in for a "shock and awe" moment upon seeing this artist live in person. It's a fair warning from this reviewer who has not only reviewed Sid with his Candy Store Henchmen but has also performed at a Henchmen herself at one time. By incorporating an oddball collection of things that you wouldn't normally use a music instrument (for example, the seat of a chair, windshield wipers as drumsticks, his throat to sing, this Columbia College student is the master of a unique music genre that could scare away many critics as well as listeners.

This is what art is all about, blogspot readers, creating something new ...different and strange that doesn't fit the "norm". And with Sid's music, sometimes it's better to expect the unexpected to happen during his performance. At times, you might find it confusing and frustrating to understand due to the unorthodox way his songs are composed ...it's an un-orchestrated mess of complex rhythms, sounds, and melodies written to be played at different tempos and beat counts. Yet don't think of that description as a negative cognition about what Sid Yiddish does on stage. In fact, after seeing him live a few times, it's more fun watching the audience's reaction than watching him. At first, people literally don't know what to think of him and or his music but after some time, they definitely do get into the strange weirdness of sounds and other things that occur while he's on stage.

For instance, try handling Sid's 90 Minutes Delay on the Eisenhower - where he actually re-creates the anger ...the frustration ...the annoyance of "stop and go" traffic that routinely occurs on any expressway around Chicago especially during morning (and afternoon) rush hour. The noise of horns blaring ...the frequent f-bombs and so much more could be heard within the room as Sid and the band yell, scream etc at each other while playing their music instruments. It's realistic music, blogspot readers. Or try the quirky yet intense song which SouthSide will dub as Mr. Squirrel (actual title is Flight Of The Satanic Danish Apocalyptic Jewish Squirrel) ...poor Mr. Squirrel (skip over this part if you don't want a spoiler) he gets it in the dead. His Christmas renditions of Silent Night and Jingle Bells won't be the traditionally heard and performed especially since it might feature a bit of throat singing or other sound effects amidst a chaotic clash of noise and rhythms.

Usually seen with other local legend, Flabby Hoffman, who also combines unique fantastical sounds but on a psychedelia realm, blogspot readers, will soon be embarking on another tour of his "native" homeland Denmark in the beginning of 2015....

For more information about Side Yiddish and His Candy Store Henchmen, visit Sid Yiddish at http://www.sidyiddish.bandcamp.com or "like" his page on Facebook.

 

 

 

 

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

One On One with Flabby Hoffman

To many of us within Chicago's local scene, he's the masked man behind some of the most incredible psychedelic rock instrumentals that will blow your mind while producing weekly live comedy and music shows to broadcast on cable access. To the government, he's just another rebel, rousing upstart trying to stir things amongst the masses. But who (or what) is really Flabby Hoffman? Well, Southside'll let the man himself answer that question - "...The Greatest Show On Girth..." who also claims to be Reba McIntyre, if you can be that! This was simply the beginning of her recent interview of the man behind the mask, blogspot readers, after receiving a copy of his 3-disc album, Coup De Ta-Ta's which features a “must read” liner booklet. So where did Flabby get his name? According to this masked artist, it's from a native Cherokee tongue which literally translates to mean "the beast with 10,000 stomachs" and it was given to him while at drive-in theatre in Valdosta, Georgia during a test screening of "Dude, Where's My Car". Long story, short version, he had drawn the attention and sympathy of the audience members and management after eating the entire concession stand. Then he went on to state that he was forcibly detained by the members of Wal-Mart's private security para-military outfit and how he was "softened" up for his interrogation with a sack of grapefruits and car battery attached to his nips. Whether it's true or not (sorry, he doesn't remember anything after that) doesn’t really matter except for one thing he feels obligated to fight for truth, justice and the preservation of the creative impulse after receiving such amazing powers when he was bitten by a radioactive duckbilled platypus.

 

 

Yes, blogspot readers, it might be hard to decipher the inner workings and creative process that comes from the mind of Flabby Hoffman since you may have trouble deciding to take what he says too seriously or too literally. However, when that creative process involves music, to Flabby it's "...a unique means of expression because it involves a wide spectrum of impact..." to which he added "...You can touch someone emotionally, intellectually, and if you're really expressive you can touch them spiritually (but never touch them physically unless you have their permission ...especially in the undercarriage area)..." Then, he went on to state that music "...has a physical conveyance as well ...you can make someone groove, you can startle them, you can create a landscape in which they can immerse themselves in..." like for example the old Western theme song Happy Trails. Contrary to what the mainstream minds wants us to believe, blogspot readers, Flabby believes music can be a gateway as well because it doesn't have to be a cheap plastic piles of cases of he lovingly describes as "...crass and mechanical karaoke..." that's dull and lifeless as if a passionless lounge singer's rendering a painful and mind-numbing Andrew Lloyd Webber medley. OUCH! Yet, when it comes to Flabby creating his music, he tends to lean towards the “...vivid and expressive experiences...” “...I don't just like to break the '4th wall.'  I look to crawl up inside it…rat around in there for a while...” says Flabby, “...Make you think I'm long gone and then sneak up on you when you're not looking...” There's some truth to that last statement.

 

 

And that's basically what you will get from his latest CD - Coup De Ta-Ta's, blogspot readers, a 3-disc album featuring rather unique as well as interesting subjects like Richard Nixon Killed JFK (track 2, disc 1), Sugar Coated Zombie Unit (track 6, disc 1), Phony Balonies (track 6, disc 2), Everybodies An Uncle Tom Sometimes (track 7, disc 2) and Our Shadow Government Takes A Holiday (track 15, disc 3) by the Flabby Hoffman Trio. To be honest, blogspot readers, SouthSide didn’t actually listen to all 3 disc but she did sample a wide selection of songs to get a better understanding of Flabby’s creative mind and as well as surf his mind-bending psychedelic rock soundwave. Giving it “thumbs up”, she liked how tucked inside his songs you’ll most definitely hear this artist’s political beliefs and view points mixed with a touch of tongue and cheek lyrical satire and humor ...sometimes sexually laced but for a good reason. For example, in Nixon Killed JFK - he believes Nixon killed JFK and was the fifth column operative who’s mission it was to destroy the United States from within meanwhile in The Feudal System (track 4, disc 3) – he poses a rather interesting question “...how come blacks in Africa never lynch any white people...” Or in Inhuman Cruelty Society (track 17, disc 1) – though poking some fun at Betty Crocker (who’s poisoning us with her birthday cakes), Flabby notes that everyday about 23,000 die from starvation in which we can save a few. Via hidden messages and morals to his stories, Flabby does have a way of educating the masses to what’s going on in our socio-political world without getting too bogged down in long winded CNN details amidst his instrumental groove. During his live performances, that groove can last for minutes upon minutes with no end in sight ...think of it as a homage to the hippie/folk jam sessions where one musician would add a bit or two for a continuous flow of music only to end in its own time. You only can get that kind of retro sound with Flabby Hoffman. Now, if you’re wondering where you can get a copy of this rebel-rousing, (probably) politically banned CD, Flabby jokingly says you might be able to find a copy at your local dumpster or public landfill. To those living in the bible belt region, there’s probably one or two being burned along with the Dixie Chicks during your weekly book burning meetings. Seriously, blogspot readers, for those who are “...gluttons for punishment and enjoy a little friendly torture, the best place to grab or download our music is at http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/FlabbyHoffman where all three of our albums sit waiting to be unleashed upon your tender pink brain...” It’s also listed on iTunes and Amazon. And while listening to parts or the entire CD, check out the “must read” 32-page booklet that comes with the physical copy of Coup De Ta-Ta’s – chocked full of tantalizing prose, bios about the musicians and satirical cartoons.

 

 

Here’s an interesting fact you should know about Coup De Ta-Ta’s, there are fifty musicians performing as Flabby Hoffman Trio (which actually did start off as a trio, blogspot readers, with Flabby on acoustic and two conga players) and over the course of 2 and 1/2 years making this CD – they didn’t rehearse. Flabby credits the talents of such musicians like Baron Rugmunchausen on drums and bassists as Quarter Paisan, Tip Top Motel and The Duke Of Barbecued Human Ass Meat rockin’ the rhythm section (“...without those guys…our sets would be as bland as a mayonnaise sandwich on white bread..."). Then there’s the “inner circle” of the Flabby Hoffman Trio which features Uncle Wakeman, the iconic Sid Yiddish, The Lizard, the mysterious Shag, and Eddie Sunshine as well as Ivan Russia, Blisstopher Robin, Rich Xperience, Senorita Hottie and many more. Plus it also features the original Flabby Hoffman Trio members – Orange Julius and Eddie the Chest. Believe it or not, there are three versions of the Flabby Hoffman Trio, blogspot readers. Besides the original trio version, in another version he does gigs with 6 to 7 of the guys and gals (with cameos from friends) while in another (to which he labels it as “...amorphous Flabby Trio...”) any or all of the extended members of the Flabby family are invited to join in the quest of the “Undiscovered Groove” “...So now I have three different ways to inflict pain and suffering on the unsuspecting townsfolk. Large, Extra Large and Super Size versions of the Flabby Hoffman Trio...” says the masked man before adding, “...I like to think of each of them as a marauding band of Norsemen on the make to ravage your women and pillage the countryside…in your mind...”

 

 

There’s another side to Flabby Hoffman, blogspot readers. He has also invaded the local television airwaves here in Chicago with his cable access broadcasts of The Flabby Hoffman Cavalcade from his live shows taped around town. He disclosed to SouthSide that he “...always wanted to create a self-sustaining system which encourages the growth and development of creativity as part of my version of The Revolution...which is based on empowering what's good in people instead of ‘burn baby burn’..." Still, his goal is to have a television show as well as live shows and a radio station all operating like “...an organically driven version of same type of integrated marketing you see from someone like Ryan Seacrest...” (but without the conspicuous worship to Satan, blogspot readers). Flabby would like to do what Ryan does yet without “...cheap, robo-musicians like Ke$ha who are dedicated to destroying our humanity...” instead he would like to showcase “...artistically driven, intensely unique and powerfully expressive artists like Hail The Black Dragons, The Embraceables, Black Umbrella Brigade and Sons Of The Never Wrong...” This would, according to Flabby, help the bands to amplify their music above the din and whir of “...horrid and manipulative puke that the mainstream tries to pass off as music every day…and where needed, help give those voices the venues and encouragement which they need to develop...” On that note, he credits the many thousand of creative people who have been part of his productions over the years boasting 500+ shows (both live music and comedy) on the Chicago circuit to which he books 8 live shows a month thus producing between 48 and 52 original (and new) 58 minutes of episodes on cable access every year.

 

 

Sadly, blogspot readers, the masked man known as Flabby Hoffman had to return to his “bat” cave to plot another coup. Before leaving, he did thank SouthSide for the interview and all the work she does promoting creativity. “....You are a blessing to us all...” By now, you’ve met Flabby the masked man, musician, and television host ...how about Flabby the Author?! Yep, believe the rumors. Flabby Hoffman has released a book titled The Avant Guardian, “...it is a satirical and frequently humorous (and always a bit insane) collection of rants about what's wrong with this place and how we can go about fixing it...” says Flabby, “...It is powerful and unique and a real eye opener for those who don't mind a little revelation and laughter once in a while...” To give you an idea, blogspot readers, of what it really is – think of this book as the 5th longest book in the English language. He suggests getting it in electronic form from http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/flabbyhoffman where it is published in two volumes and don’t worry about. the .pdf format. It can be opened by any computer besides e-readers. “...Come for the humor…stay for the uncompromising and vigorous dissection of the tools of our oppressors...” Then he left with these final words – “...In closing I'd like to say ciao-dios to all you true believers out there and thanks for being you...”

 

 

Coup De Ta-Ta's

Flabby Hoffman

http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/FlabbyHoffman

 

 

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

One On One with Sid Yiddish

Sid Yiddish – the local scene’s mysterious throat warbler ...a former America Got Talent contestant ...Denmark’s favorite non-Dane celebrity ...leader of his Candy Store Henchmen band ...and now. a “Ludacris video extra turned college grad student”. Yes, blogspot readers, you read correctly. Sid Yiddish, that man of mystery sometimes dressed his infamous Jewish costume for shows, was part of the Ludacris video for “Jingalin’” over the summer. And spotting Sid in it won’t be too hard either ...he’s the only non-practicing Orthodox Jew hanging out with the ladies. After a long busy summer and beginning of fall, SouthSide was finally able to snag a few moments with the space alien from Saturn, Texas in his “office” at Columbia College recently to chat about what’s new within his universe to how he landed that role in Ludacris’ video and more.

After settling into his underground lair, SouthSide began the interview with Sid’s description of himself today compared to a year ago within five (5) words or less. According to him “...no comparison...” but he kindly added “...educational adventurous inspiring innovative tuqueish...” Tuqueish, blogspot readers, was Sid’s new word of the day.  So what evil plots or schemes does an “...educational adventurous inspiring innovative tuqueish...” have planned for unsuspecting earthlings? Well, he’s learning how to use the universe then he’ll eventually teach his method to others ...as well as “...take over the solar system then [the] universe ...maybe the world...” IF it’s still here after 21 Dec 2012. So what’s new and happening in Sid’s world, you might wonder, blogspot readers. Believe it or not, this former AGT contestant has a publicist! Recently, he met with the “team” who will be handling everything which includes getting “...gigs and world wide fame...” This package also includes putting together a Wikipedia page  that might have a mention (or two) of SouthSide. Don’t believe any of the rumors about Sid and her doing a waltz across Wabash towards State St, blogspot readers. Even though he couldn’t say (“...hush hush...” says Sid), the “team” is currently working on some stuff for the upcoming holiday season.

In his weird Furby voiceover for SouthSide’s daughter as entertainment. Sid briefly relayed the story on how Lee Klawans of Dr. Evil Publicity (http://www.DrEvilPub.com) approached this local space alien and take him on as their very first client. So far, he has met an entertainment attorney, social media person and many others who are hard at work on his image and future gigs. At Columbia College, Sid is listed as a First Year Interdisciplinary Media & Arts Immediary grad student under its three (3) year program in which he loves. Funny thing is, blogspot readers, he’s not the only Sid in class. He also  added that his advisor (for the year) is Paul Catanese and “...[the] teachers are great...” He had done three (3) presentations that two had featured The Henchmen performing in classroom with him. As you can imagine, it did attract curious onlookers on those particular days. “...[we] did a parody of Mack The Knife as Stake The Knife...” that showed off Sid’s patented hand movements to direct the band. Also, he did another one titled Ninety Minute Delay on the Eisenhower. Then recently, he got a little dicey with a “blue” film called Blinded By Masturbation (in which has received over 70 views thus far on YouTube, blogspot readers). Briefly, Sid told SouthSide the censored story of how he caught his female Terrier, Nutters, doing the act (while using her tail) ...and believe it or not, the dog’s fixed. Sid does have respect when it comes to underage kids in the room and did his best to control his language.

Yet, it doesn’t stop there, blogspot readers. Sid has been busy doing things with MultiKulti like Fractulation where in one part he’s plunging to earth and PSAs Volume I 2011 – 2012 (came out over a month ago) that features another SouthSide friend, General Patton. Besides that, Sid has been busy with new releases such as Sid Yiddish Live @ Mr. Earl’s Funhouse (it’s a short run – 31 copies under the label, Human Burial Records (located in Kenosha, WI) ...sometime next year, there’s Covered Wagons (under the Trash Fuck Records), Stentor Radio Interview (a 2010 interview with Denmark’s Clean Boys) and then off Placenta Recordings (located in MI), Danish Viking Astronaut. Here’s what Sid had to say about that “...they approached me ...wanted to record me if you can believe that...” PLUS, there will be a box set of Sid Yiddish, blogspot readers! It will feature early Sid (before Sid became the Sid Yiddish we know today) dated from 1979 to 1999 (Vol. 1) and 1999 to 2009 (Vol. 2) “...who does this?!” Sid excitedly exclaimed. And like the Sid Yiddish Live CD, this box set will be limited-run too. That’s not all, Sid fans! Sid Yiddish and his Candy Store Henchmen have a new album titled – Leather Strawberries Live On WZRD (according to Sid the title has nothing to do with sex ...it’s about fruit rollups). He thought it was a great title since aliens like him (especially those from Saturn, Texas) eat and LOVE Hello Kitty Fruit Snacks. “...[It] gives you energy to zap more people...”

And, we’re still NOT done, blogspot readers. In the meanwhile, Sid’s working on a return trip to Denmark for the Summer where he’ll be part of a book project of translated Danish poetry. The exchange program will include 3 to 5 dates here as well as there but Sid hopes his extremely busy schedule will allow it. There’s another project in which Sid posed for a photographer/artist, Ed Patterson as the biblical figure, Abraham sacrificing Issac for a church located in Greenwood, IN. The photographs were taken at Indiana Dunes and here’s another interesting fact, blogspot readers, Jason “Evil” Covelli (of Human Burial Records) portrayed Noah. “...hopefully I’m able to attend the opening [happening sometime in Spring of 2013] ...will start a Kickstarter program to go...” And if that’s not enough Sid Yiddish news you can use, there’s more. He was an extra (an spectator) in a 17^th Century period piece about Daniel Mendoza, the first Jewish world champ boxer when he beat Sam Martin, the Bath Butcher ...according to UK Boxing History, King George III was a fan of Menoza. On Oct 6^th, one of Sid’s cover songs, Man Titties, was aired on the Dr. Demento Show, blogspot readers. Then with Torque Monks, Sid hopefully will have the album Behold The Pale Monk, Healthy Poison and Live @ Solarium De Luna  released sometime in 2013. As if that’s not enough, he also has more compilations that were TOO many to name during this interview. However, expect to see Sid Yiddish somewhere ...anywhere and/or everything next year.

So how did Sid land a role in Ludacris’ hit video, Jingalin’ (and he LOVES saying that word, blogspot readers)? In his Ferbie voice again, he told SouthSide the brief version of this long, interesting story. About eight (8) months ago, Sid sent out emails to land various gigs until a casting agent contacted wondering if he wanted to come down to Atlanta for a video shoot. At first, he declined the offer but his label, Aleatory Records flew him down. That’s when he found out why the famous rapper/hip hop artist Ludacris wanted him – “...what Jew works on Sabbath [Saturday]?” Plus, they thought he was a practicing Orthodox Jew. Sid did tell this reviewer that they did cut the one scene where he’s playing a dice game with the sheik which is almost a set for the “ a Jew, Sheik, etc enter a house party” type of joke, blogspot readers. He even showed her the actual dice that was used for the video ...a notable keepsake from his mark within hip hop/rap world. Yet, it wouldn’t be Sid Yiddish if he didn’t do a parody of Ludacris’ Jingalin parody where there’s an alternate version by Jew-dacris by MultiKulti. Despite Sid’s recent as well as future accomplishments, Sid Yiddish is quite humble. And that’s the honest truth, blogspot readers. “...[It’s] gotten me open to more doors ...more coverage [including] more Facebook fans, gigs and records...” Those who have recognized him (from the video) on the “L” (Chicago’s elevated public transit system) ask him “How can I meet Ludacris?”

With Sid’s enormous and busy schedule between recording, show appearances (sometimes with the other local masked man, Flabby Hoffman) and school, you might wonder how he can add one more on top of what he has on his plate. He was part of the Great Fire & Traveling Truck Show in which he and others traveled around town as sideshow acts (an homage to the traveling sideshow acts of the early 19^th Century) performing feats of amazement and more. Sid told her it contained a bunch of actors and actresses, a tarot card reader and also a bearded bee lady to entertain the audience. Sid, though trying his best to describe what his performance was, told this reviewer that he does something with banjos ...something that’s never been done before at a Sid Yiddish show. SouthSide wished she could have attended the final show (held in Pilsen) since ABC’s 190 North (a local news/entertainment program) was going to be there to film.

Before ending this interview, Sid did reveal that he’ll be an election judge for the upcoming Presidential election and his considering a spec for a commercial (he let SouthSide see the email ...sorry, blogspot readers, she can’t reveal that secretive tidbit to you.) Also, coming soon on the internet – http://www.SidYiddish.org and despite currently under construction, there are photos of Sid on there. PLUS – he’s going back to the studio with Tom Repentry (of Monk 9) where they’re working on a parody of that popular song – PSY’s Gangnam Style.

You can find Sid (as well as His Candy Store Henchmen) on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, YouTube, etc.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide