Thursday night was the Mekons show at the Middle East — my first downstairs show in something like a year. Even though I’m not loving Punk Rock as much as most past releases, seeing the songs live added some oomph — particularly over-the-top raucous stuff like “Dan Dare.” They also did “I Apple,” “The Curse,” and “Millionaire” — so fabulous. It always amazes me how Sally Timms can seem half-asleep and mostly in the bag, slumping backward with her eyes nearly shut, and still sing so gorgeously. ‘Tween-song banter included a healthy dose of Bush and Republican slagging and mocking, misty-eyed reminiscences of lolling about Richard Branson’s estate, where the drugs flowed freely.

Can’t write too much longer — Teresa’s picking me up to shop for Kevin and Tomoko’s wedding present. D. and I are working on our marriage mix (which looks like will comprise two CDs, at the rate we’re adding songs). Not sure yet what the artwork will look like — maybe some kind of collagey wedding cake motif, if I can pull it off.