The Wall Of Wheeze

A Christmas Present From Paul

2011-12-03T08:28:00.000-08:00

I put up a page with links to a bunch of my Christmas songs. These are tunes I've been playing every year with the Christmas Jug Band, a seasonal gathering of merry musical misfits. Enjoy!

Paul Rogers To Guest DJ On KPTZ

2011-12-02T06:43:00.000-08:00

I'll be joining Phil Andrus as a guest DJ today on KPTZ 91.9 FM in Port Townsend. If you are not in the area you can listen via their internet stream. I'll be playing choice selections from the Christmas Jug Band Cds to advance our upcoming show at the Upstage on Dec 10 in PT. Check it out!

Paul Plays TDA Tunes on KPTZ In Port Townsend

2011-10-19T06:38:00.000-07:00

I'll be doing an "in-studio" this Friday on KPTZ in Port Townsend. Phil Andrus is the host. Dirk Anderson will be helping out on string bass. They just got set up for internet streaming so now the whole world can tune in! Things kick off at noon.

Thinking Outside The Squeezebox in Cedar Rapids, IA

2011-09-22T09:18:00.000-07:00

TDA front man, Paul Rogers heads to Cedar Rapids, IA this weekend to help out at the National Accordion Symposium "Thinking Outside The Squeezebox". He will conduct a workshop in Techniques of Rock Accordion and will cover the challenges of giving your accordion "the guitar sound" and making it loud enough to compete with a drummer and bass player flailing away behind you. The workshops are during the day on Saturday, Sept 24.
On Saturday night, Paul and TDA bass player, Lewis Wallace, will join forces with local drummer Mike Flack to play a set at The Parlor City Pub and Eatery. Joining them on the bill will be fellow symposium guest, Corn Mo. The show starts at 9 pm.
Sounds like squeezin' good time!

"The Darn" Are Coming To The Pacific Northwest

2011-08-29T08:26:00.000-07:00

The four piece version of Those Darn Accordions, (2 accordions, bass and drums), head for the great state of Oregon for a 3 day mini-tour. First up is the Seaside Elks Lodge on Sept 8, then the Old World Deli in Corvalis on Sept 9. Finally it's McMenamins Oktoberfest at The Old St. Francis School in Bend on Sept 10.
We've played a few shows with "just" two accordions, bass and drums in
the past due to scheduling conflicts and such, but now we're giving
this stripped-down version of the band a name to differentiate these
shows from full-on Those Darn Accordions shows. We think "The Darn"
works nicely, and if you're in the area next month, we hope you'll
come check out the show. We'll be playing tons of TDA songs (and
sneaking in a few surprises).
Check out the TDA tour page for more info.

Those Darn Accordions Set to Rock At Cotati Accordion Fest

2011-08-16T10:52:00.000-07:00

Those Darn Accordions close out America's Premiere Accordion Festival in Cotati this Sunday, Aug 21 at 6:15. TDA promises to deliver a high energy set of snappy originals and "bellowized" classic rock standards. There's no better time to be had anywhere this weekend in Northern California.

Paul At the Piano

2011-03-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

This is typically a slow time of year for TDA so I've been spending some time tickling the ivories of my grandma's old upright piano. This is pretty much how a TDA song starts out. I've put 4 tunes up on my YouTube channel in case anyone wants to check them out.

TDA At The Palms Playhouse

2011-02-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

We are back at the Palms Playhouse in Winters, CA this Friday. We're excited to have Carri back with us and we've dug into the songbook for a few TDA classics. It should be a rocking night! Showtime is 8 pm.

Pink-Wigged Pig Will Rock for Food

2011-01-04T09:41:00.000-08:00

This pink-wigged pig plays guitar about as well as some of the punk rockers you'll see on nightclub stages. Now, if they could teach the porker to play accordion, they'd be onto something.

[via BuzzFeed]

"Santa Lost A Ho" Helps Out in SF

2010-12-03T08:48:00.000-08:00

"Santa Lost A Ho" is starting to show up again. Here it was closing out a fundraiser in SF at the 18th annual "Songs of the Season". Makes me feel good that I can help out in my own nutty, musical way.

Holiday Gift Paks From TDA

2010-11-28T17:21:00.000-08:00

The Holiday Gift Paks seem to be a hit with the accordion lovers out there. I'm not surprised, it's a pretty insane deal. Check it out here.

Cool Photo Essay of TDA At Oktoberfest NW 2010

2010-11-12T10:43:00.000-08:00

Here's a cool photo essay of our show at the 2010 Oktoberfest NW in Puyallup, WA. It was put together by our new friends at Sepiachord.com. This is a huge Oktoberfest and one of our favorites.

Those Darn Accordions In San Francisco

2010-11-09T08:31:00.000-08:00

We are set for a "Holiday Party" show in San Francisco on Dec 16 at The Red Devil Lounge. Show time is 7 pm, so folks can mosey over after work and cut loose with accordions, cocktails and a few carols to boot. Of course we'll have the usual mash up of rock classics and unbelievably hip and catchy originals. We'll also have some cool prizes to give away during the show. Everyone's going to be there, so make sure you are too!

Red Devil Lounge 1695 Polk St. @ Clay 7 PM $10 cover 415-921-1695

This Is Why Band's Shouldn't Do Live Albums

2010-10-23T21:45:00.001-07:00

Down singer delivers possibly the worst-ever live performance. Somebody at the label must hate him.

[via Chunklet: "My Ears Just Threw Up"]

Oktoberfest in Puyallup With Those Darn Accordions

2010-10-05T13:11:00.000-07:00

TDA ends it's 2010 Oktoberfest run with the biggest one yet! We head to Puyallup, WA for Oktoberfest Northwest on Friday Oct 8 and Sat. Oct 9. We go on at 9:30 pm each night, but the fun begins at noon each day with lots of music, great food and beer! See you there!

Those Darn Accordions Head for The Mountains

2010-09-29T07:18:00.000-07:00

This weekend we find ourselves in the High Sierras playing the Village at Mammoth Lakes Oktoberfest. Our first show is at 6 pm on Friday Oct 1 and then 3 pm on Sat. Oct 2. There's great food, beer and, of course, music in one of the most beautiful settings in the world! C'mon up!

Those Darn Accordions Head for The Giant Pumpkin Drop

2010-09-14T10:09:00.000-07:00

Seems like we are doing more Oktoberfests than ever this year, but no two are alike. I mean, I can't think of another Oktoberfest we play at that features a Giant Pumpkin Drop that smashes a car into an iron pancake. That's what is going to happen when we play in Seaside, OR on Sept 25. Look, the food, beer and music are gonna be great, but let's be honest, can you really resist seeing this thing smash into a million pieces? Not me.

Those Darn Accordions At Widmer Bros. Oktoberfest

2010-09-09T21:05:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah, just a few days until we head back to Portland to play one of our favorite gigs,the Widmer Bros. Brewing Oktoberfest on Sept 11. There's always a great crowd and lots of excellent food and of course, beer! Lots of cool bands playing from 3 pm. We go on at 9 pm. Best of all, you only have to buy a $5 mug to get in! Sweet.

Paul Rogers at "Watervale Talent Show Night"

2010-09-04T11:55:00.000-07:00

Every year the family and I return to Northern Michigan to a wonderful resort called Watervale. Of course, there's a 'talent show night" and this year I wrote a song about Watervale and enlisted my kids, Laura and Jonny, and a group of other talented "Watervalians" to play it. Fellow Watervalian, John Haapaniemi, made a video that gives you a good sense of the place. Can't wait to go back next year!

Paul Rogers' "Cul-de-Sac Kids" on XM's "Kids Place Live"

2010-08-21T22:40:00.000-07:00

The coolest kids radio station, SiriusXM's "Kid's Place Live" has added another track off "The Cul-de-Sac Kids". They are now playing "Stop The Haircut" and "Sick Of Being Sick". You can check out samples to all the tunes right here.

Paul Rogers Interview on WERS FM

2010-08-20T19:24:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased and honored that WERS FM in Boston is giving "The Cul-De-Sac Kids" airplay on their show, "The Playground". They also just posted an interview with me on their website. Cool!

Mr. Saggy Butt!

2010-08-19T08:04:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life imitates art. Here's a fella that seems to have jumped right out of TDA's "Mr. Saggy Butt"

New TDA blog

2010-08-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

We've started a new blog that will work with our blog host. Oh, yes we have!

Here come "The Cul de Sac Kids"

2010-06-04T09:59:00.000-07:00

The past 6 months I've been working on a kids CD. I've been threatening to do it for a while (about 10 years) and 2010 finally seemed like the right time to knuckle down and get it done. The CD is set for a July 20 release, but you can check out song samples here. I'll be adding an order button soon. Enjoy!

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2010-06-04T09:42:00.000-07:00

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Accordions On The Rise

2010-04-23T16:31:00.000-07:00

What's the range of a guitar? Twenty yards if you've got a good arm!

You may hear jokes along those lines soon , if an article by Seattle University Spectator is right. Accordion playing Seattleites discuss the rise of the accordion & the decline of guitars that overtook music in the 60's through 80's.

Have you noticed a rise in accordions in today's popular music? Team TDA has noticed the familiar sound in lots of T0p 40 bands - The Decemberists recently, Britney Spears years ago, & The Beatles decades ago. Who have you heard bellowing?

Image of Gogol Bordello courtesty of Flickr/Gregor_y

Spoof Trailer for Weird: The Al Yankovic Story

2010-03-23T16:18:00.000-07:00

"Weird: The Al Yankovic Story" from Aaron Paul

What made "Weird Al" weird? Modern Accordionist and Accordion Player magazines, according to the spoof trailer for biopic Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.

It's all a joke, but I wish some savvy studio would take the idea and run.

How To Wear Your Underwear

2010-03-12T14:41:00.000-08:00

In these days and times, we've got to make every penny count and stretch our dollars as far as we can. Right? Here's a tune from the upcoming Kid's CD, "The Cul de Sac Kids", that provides instruction on how to get maximum undie "wear".
Listen carefully, there will be a quiz tomorrow!

Bratwurst: Cook 'Em Right!

2010-02-17T10:29:00.000-08:00

An excellent article by Bob Currer on how to properly cook a brat. It also gives mention to TDA's "First Bratwurst Of Summer". I'm looking out at the grill and thinking it might be time to attempt a mid-winter fire-up.

Pecking out a Tune with Céleste Boursier-Mougenot

2010-02-02T16:39:00.000-08:00

As part of a show later this month at The Curve Gallery in London, artist Céleste Boursier-Mougenot has combined zebra finches with a Les Paul guitar; video embedded above. See more photos of this work & other dadaist pieces here.

Happy Birthday, Ray Stevens!

2010-01-24T12:33:00.000-08:00

Ray Stevens, writer of great songs like 1974 nudist novelty smash "The Streak" (video above), turns 71 Sunday.

Stevens' other wacky hits over the years have included "Ahab the Arab," "Shriner's Convention" and "Jeremiah Peabody's Polyunsaturated Quick-Dissolving, Fast-Acting Pleasant-Tasting Green and Purple Pills."

Prince Reveals His "Fight Song" For The Vikings

2010-01-21T21:19:00.000-08:00

Prince's fight song for the Vikings might work if they played badminton, but it's WAY too wimpy for football. Then again, if they play this in New Orleans, the Saints might be laughing too hard to play. Brilliant!

Those Darn Accordions At The New Freight & Salvage

2009-12-28T13:37:00.000-08:00

It's not too soon to mark your new Accordion Babes calendars for the first Big TDA show of the year. It's right around the corner in Berkeley, CA at the New Freight and Salvage on Jan 15. Show time is 8 pm. tickets are $18.50 Advance and 19.50 at the door.
What, you don't have you Accordion Babes calendar yet? Holy bellows, Batman. Better get one now! Be sure to wear your new Flying Accordion Bot shirt and get a free CD!. What, you don't have your new Bot shirt yet? Holy Robots, Batman, better get one Right Now!

Those Darn Accordions At The Freight And Salvage

2009-12-21T10:09:00.000-08:00

You can have a listen to all the cool bands lined up to play the beautiful new Freight and Salvage in Berkeley, CA. Of course, we are on the list. We will be there Jan 15 at 8pm! It's #20 of our 20 City tour.

Sketchy Santas

2009-12-14T17:19:00.000-08:00

This is guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit!

Robo-Hamsters Are Hot Toys This Year

2009-11-28T10:45:00.000-08:00

Robotic hamsters called Zhu Zhu Pets are selling like mad this holiday season. The toys come in several versions, including Mr. Squiggles (pictured), Num Nums, Pipsqueek and Chunk. They are currently going for $50 and up on Amazon.com.

From Amazon's product description: "Each Zhu Zhu Hamter has its own unique personality & whimsical sounds. Loving Mode: Pet them, love them, hear them chatter Explore Mode: Let them scoot, scamper, across the floor. Provide them with their Hamster Habitat."

The Associated Press calls the toys, which originally sold for $10, "an unlikely hit." (That's what everybody said about "Hamsterman.")

(Thanks for the tip, Bill from Milwaukee, who says: "Perfect gift for Hamsterman this x-mas!")

Jabara Rokushimai, aka The Six Bellows Sisters

2009-11-27T12:14:00.000-08:00

Jabara Rokushimai, aka The Six Bellows Sisters, is a six-piece all-female accordion band from Japan.

(Thanks for the tip, Bill!)

Hamsterman Video by Those Darn Accordions

2009-11-23T07:38:00.000-08:00

I was messing around at Animoto.com. You can upload a bunch of photos or videos and then your song. It does the rest! Check out the video it created for TDA's "Hamsterman".

Free MP3s From Those Darn Accordions

2009-11-20T12:08:00.000-08:00

Sign up for the Those Darn Accordions newsletter and receive a link for a free MP3 download every Friday. You'll also get the story behind each song. The first free download is The Perry Mason TV Theme. Enjoy!

The Christmas Jug Band is On The Holiday Highway

2009-11-19T07:58:00.000-08:00

Those Darn Accordions takes December off each year while I join the Christmas Jug Band for a month of shows. This year we have a new CD out, "On The Holiday Highway". We are returning to the great Northwest as well as Northern CA for a bunch of jugaliciuos shows. If you need a little jump start to get your holiday spirit in gear, this is the place to be!

Oh No! Santa Lost a Ho...Again!

2009-11-13T11:25:00.000-08:00

Look what they done to my song, Ma! Or should I say,Big Mama! It's just about that time again. Can't get enough of this video of "Santa Lost A Ho" as performed by the Fruitcake Follies. Of course, the original by the Christmas Jug Band is pretty good too! (If I don't say so myself).

40 Years of Sesame Street

2009-11-04T15:36:00.000-08:00

As TDA celebrates 20 years, a staple of childhood is celebrating double that. Sesame Street first aired in 1969 as a pilot with a less muppety format. As Muppet Wiki explains,
Before Sesame Street began regular production, five test pilots were produced and shown to children. In these pilots, Ernie and Bert were the only Muppets present, and they didn't interact on the Street with the humans. Segments from these pilots include a sketch in which Ernie talks about what parts of the body he has two of, Batman appearing on Ernie and Bert's TV set, telling them to take turns watching TV, and the original version of the song "Rubber Duckie".

Since Sesame Street has been such a staple in so many people's developing years, it's no surprise that there's been so many homages. There's the creepy spin on Snuffy and the touching theme song cover that wraps up a hit television show episode. Sesame Street itself has released some items that rival any homage; Team TDA's favorites being the 1979 disco track "Me Lost Me Cookie," and the eventually banned track "I Want A Monster."

As we toast a glass of milk to Jim Henson, we ask what's your favorite Sesame Street moment?

Photo: Flickr/MarkJSebastian

Those Darn Accordions Wind It Up In SF

2009-10-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

If you've been looking for a reason to fly to San Francisco, we've got one for you! Those Darn Accordions wind up the 2009 tour at the Cafe du Nord in SF on Nov 5.
TDA has spawned several other bands and a few of them will be joining us in a TDA Reunion Accordion Blowout. First up is original TDA'er Tom Torigglia's "Bella Ciao" followed by TDA founder Big Lou and her "Casserole". Then present day TDA takes the stage for a set, before we all join together for a re-creation of some old TDA favorites. We are also planning a special tribute to our dearly missed Clyde Forsman.
So c'mon, hit the skies or the road and head for SF. It's going to be a blast!

TDA at 142 Throckmorton

2009-10-23T23:52:00.000-07:00

Here's a few photos for you to enjoy, fresh from the balcony at tonight's TDA concert at the 142 Throckmorton Theatre.

We're wrapping up our 20 City Tour & would love to see photos you've taken so far - add a link in the comments below to your favorite TDA pix.
If you haven't made it to a show this tour, there's still time!

Jim Rothermel guesting on Sax & Clarinet!

Discovery in Loch Ness - Golf Balls

2009-10-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

When a U.S. research team was looking for proof of the loch ness monster, they made a discovery. Unfortunately the discovery was of thousands of golf balls. Originally, researcher Mike O'Brien thought "...they were mushrooms, there were so many. But when we lowered the camera, we were surprised to see that they were in fact golf balls."

CNN has more details & a murky video here.

Have you discovered TDA's song about the Loch Ness Monster fraud? Check out "Deathbed Confession" here.

Photo (of just an old anchor) courtesy: Flickr/Pudekamp

Young Accordionist Shreds Vivaldi's "Four Seasons"

2009-10-05T16:53:00.000-07:00

Ukranian kid Aleksandr Hrustevich is making the inbox rounds with his playing of Vivaldi's "Four Seasons." A typically violin based piece, Hrustevich tears it up on a bayan accordion.

You can see more of his mastery at on his YouTube page here.

Oktoberfest Etiquette Tips

2009-09-27T16:51:00.000-07:00

Tips for surviving the beerfest nearest you: Get beer wise with the Oktoberfest etiquette primer from Wired.com.

This will come in handy, I'm sure, for everybody headed to the two remaining Oktoberfests we'll be playing this year: Oktoberfest at The Village at Mammoth in Mammoth Lakes, Calif., on Saturday, Oct. 3; and Oktoberfest Northwest in Puyallup, Wash., on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 9 and 10.

Photo by Flickr user a4gpa

Related how-to's:

Cook Beer Brats

Make Sauerkraut

Tap a Keg

Barbecued Oysters, Brats And Beer!

2009-09-16T11:09:00.000-07:00

MMMMMM! It must be time for the Seaside Oktoberfest. This has become one of our favorite Oktoberfests and we were quick to add it to our 20th Anniversary Tour. Not only is the food great and the beer better, but the folks at the Seaside Elks are wonderful. It also doesn't hurt that it's located in beautiful Seaside, OR. I got a call today telling me that the phone has been ringing like crazy and they expect to have a big crowd this year. Looks like it's time to party in Seaside! We are playing 3 sets, so this is a chance to get a full dose of TDA. The fun begins this Saturday, Sept 19 at 12 noon. See you there!

TDA's 20 City Tour Rolls Into Oregon

2009-09-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

Coming up on the halfway mark of our epic 20 year/ 20 city tour. Oregon, you are next! We hope to see lots of folks at our 4 upcoming shows this week. Here's the schedule:

Thursday, Sept 17 Cozmic Pizza
Friday, Sept 18 Mississippi Pizza
Saturday, Sept 19 Seaside Oktoberfest, Seaside
Sunday Sept 20 Bend

See all you Oregonians soon!

The Hamster Ball Derby is On!

2009-09-15T08:48:00.000-07:00

Maybe we should sponsor one of these Hamster Ball Derbys before every show.

Those Darn Accordions and The Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend, WA

2009-09-07T07:25:00.000-07:00

Two exciting events are taking place in Port Townsend, WA this weekend. The annual Wooden Boat Festival starts on Thursday and runs through Sunday. Over 200 beautiful vintage boats and lots of activities for kids and adults. On Friday night @ 8 pm, Those Darn Accordions take the stage at the historic Joseph Wheeler Theater in Fort Worden, just around the corner from the Wooden Boat Festival. Why not make a weekend of it and come up Port Townsend to see some amazing boats and hear some amazing music!

New Pix From TDA's 20th Anniversary Tour

2009-09-01T12:41:00.000-07:00

If you've been following us on Twitter, or have attended any of the shows on our 20th anniversary tour, you may have heard of the fabulous accordion-shaped casserole (pictured) cooked up by our pal Al in Wisconsin.

Served with refreshing Polish beer provided by Gary, it made for an unbelievably awesome meal after our massive "Beer Barrel Polka" finale in Oshkosh.

See more tour photos -- including the feisty-yet-doomed Somonauk Crawdad -- on the TDA multimedia page.

Fun Times In Oshkosh

2009-08-28T06:38:00.000-07:00

We had a ball in Oshkosh last night. What a great crowd. It was an Accordion Blowout and we finished with a rousing rendition of Beer Barrel Polka. Nothing like a Wisconsin crowd to get things stirred up. Now it's on to Illinois. Hope they're ready!

'My Accordion' Tells Life Story of Carmen Vitanza

2009-08-26T10:03:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Carmen Vitanza who sent me his book, "My Accordion: The Music of My Life." It's a wonderful look back over 60 years of this virtuoso's life. Any fan of the accordion will enjoy it.

Video: TDA Alumni at Cotati Accordion Festival

2009-08-23T23:29:00.000-07:00

For the big ending to Saturday's 20th anniversary set at the Cotati Accordion Festival, former Those Darn Accordions members joined the current lineup for several songs.

In the first clip, Big Lou and Art Peterson sing "Hotsy Totsy Polka" and original TDA drummer Bill Schwartz sings "Low Rider."

In the second, Ron Muriera sings "It's Not Unusual" before Tom Torriglia and the rest of the TDA alumni reunite onstage for "We're An Accordion Band."

Follow TDA Tour on Twitter, Win Road Swag

2009-08-22T00:53:00.000-07:00

If you're not already following us on Twitter, now would be a good time to start. We'll be tweeting like mad as we drive across the country and get down to business playing gigs in Wisconsin and Illinois.

Check out the official Those Darn Accordions Twitter page and be sure to follow @TDAccordions for updates, including the times and locations of TDA Roadside Giveaways: Some lucky winners will receive TDA merch, including the new Accordion Bots shirts.

To Cotati and beyond!

Here Comes TDA

2009-08-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

Show #1 of 20 was in Alameda, CA. A nice warm up for Cotati Accordion Festival on Saturday. Come early and hear some great accordion playing, drink beer and eat some great food! We go on at 6:25 PM and will have lots of special guests from the early years of TDA. See ya there!

A Toast To Those Darn Accordions

2009-08-13T07:59:00.000-07:00

In the secluded studios of the TDA graphic arts department, a special commemorative pint glass is being prepared. Rumor has it that the TDA van will be making a diversion on its trip across the United States to pick them up at a secret location known only to a few select band members and the 100 or so employees that work there and their other customers and I guess anyone else who knows how to Google. Stay tuned for more info and how you might be able to procure one of these limited-edition glasses.

Big Lou Plays 'Chicken Dance' in Africa

2009-08-11T07:28:00.000-07:00

Those Darn Accordions founder Big Lou, aka the Accordion Princess, plays the "Chicken Dance" with the Maru a Pula Marimba band (and Lou's husband David Golia on bass) at the Ladies Number One Opera House in Gaborone, Botswana. Weirdest instrumentation yet?

A little closer to home, Big Lou's Polka Casserole plays Schroeder's Cafe in downtown San Francisco this Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.

She'll also be joining TDA during our big reunion set at the 2009 Cotati Accordion Festival.

New TDA "Bot" T's Are Here

2009-08-07T07:45:00.000-07:00

Oh No! Oh Yes! The Flying TDA Bots are about to conquer the world. Only those wearing the protective Bot T-shirt will be spared! There's no time to lose. Get to the TDA store and save yourself! Then check out artist Frank Samuelson, who drew the art for the shirt.

More Great Lakes Marine Life

2009-07-27T21:55:00.000-07:00

If you've never tasted a fresh Walleye pan fried in a light batter with butter, well, you're really missing something! Delicious!

Great Lakes Marine Life

2009-07-27T21:40:00.000-07:00

I spent the last two weeks in Northern Michigan on Lake Michigan. There's nothing like swimming in the clear, cold water to relax and forget your troubles. Of course, that first plunge can be a bit of a shock.

Just Added 3 More TDA Covers to the List

2009-07-11T11:49:00.000-07:00

"Walk This Way," "Dance to the Music" and "Dancing Queen."

Wow, that's a lot of tunes we've learned (and mostly forgotten) -- nearly 40 over the years. But then, when you've been rocking the squeezebox for two decades, that's only a couple of new covers a year.

Check out the full list and leave us a comment about what songs you'd most like to hear when we hit the road later this summer.

So far it seems like "Frankenstein" is a must-play. (I'm rooting for "Godzilla.")

Links:

TDA Covers: 20 Years of Accordion-Fueled Rock 'n' Roll

Curious where we'll be playing? Check out confirmed tour dates.

Amazing Photo From The MJ Memorial

2009-07-08T08:59:00.000-07:00

Bryan Chan of the LA Times put together this amazing panorama of the Michael Jackson Memorial at Staples Center. It's almost like standing in the middle of the huge crowd and slowly spinning around.

Photo Shoot Sneak Peak

2009-07-07T09:21:00.000-07:00

Are you following TDA's official twitter - Twitter.com/TDAccordions? If so, this past Sunday you may have read of a photo shoot that involved Suzanne, Carri, & Susie.

We're excited to share the final photo with everybody & we'll be divulging more details as soon as we can, so stay tuned!

AOL Radio Launches It's Polka Channel!

2009-07-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

AOL Radio launches it's Polka Channel today and I'm honored that they asked TDA to be a part of it. The channel will feature all different styles of polka. Here's some easy to follow instructions I received from AOL on how to tune in.

"You do not have to be a subscriber to AOL to listen and there is no charge to you to listen. It is free to all plus we have a great tuner app for iPhones.
Here’s how you tune in from your computer.
Point your Internet browser to: www.aolradio.com and you’ll see a button on the page that says “Listen Now.” Click that and a player pops up. There will be a big column on the left hand side that says “Stations By Category.” Polka will be in the category “World/International” at the bottom of the alphabetical category listing. For a short time it will also be listed in “What’s New” at the top of the column.

Be sure to rate the songs you like, because that's how they decide which ones to keep playing. (Hint,hint)

Who knows, this could be the first step to bringing back the Polka Grammy!

White Castle Memories

2009-07-01T06:05:00.000-07:00

When I was 17 I had a Honda CB 160 which I thought was the coolest bike in the world. A few of my buddies had bikes too and we used to all sleep over at someone's house and then take off for midnight rides. Our route was usually Outer Drive, which is a loop that runs through Dearborn and a bunch of Detroit Metro suburbs, as well as Detroit itself. One highlight of the trip was going by Zug Island, just downstream from the Ford Rouge Plant, and marveling at the flames that shot out of the smokestacks. Very cool.
Another highlight was our stop at Mott's Hamburgers, (now called Motz's Hamburgers because the old owner wouldn't sell the name) which was a knock off of White Castle, It had the exact same white tile building, in fact, now that I think of it, it probably WAS a White Castle that had relocated elsewhere. (Like everything else in Detroit.) We loaded up with 8-10 sliders each and hopped back on our bikes to complete the loop and get back home right around sunrise. Those were the days! If you'd like a taste of this experience, White Castle is making it easy. To celebrate their 88th birthday they are giving away free sliders. Kick start that old bike and go pick one (or 10) up!

TDA Covers: 20 Years of Accordion-Fueled Rock 'n' Roll

2009-06-29T07:33:00.000-07:00

Those Darn Accordions has covered some pretty varied musical terrain over the past two decades. The originals and polkas are one thing -- we've tossed plenty of tunes into the genre blender and pushed frappe repeatedly. We tried not to make too much of a mess.

But, as you can tell by this long (and probably incomplete) list of rock 'n' roll songs we've played over the years, we've taken the accordion to some pretty strange places in our never-ending pursuit of the ultimate squeezebox rock cover songs. Some of these covers became staples of TDA shows and even made it on to our recordings; others disappeared from the set list almost immediately, for whatever reason.

As we pull together set lists for our 20-city tour, we've been thinking a lot about what we should play. We've been getting a kick out of the whole "trip down memory lane" thing, and we'd like to take you with us.

So let us know: Which of these covers would you like to hear? Which ones should be banished forever? And which ones have we forgotten entirely? Let us know in the comments section below.

Whole Lotta Love/ Black Dog -- Led Zeppelin
Magic Carpet Ride -- Steppenwolf
Low Rider -- War
Frankenstein -- The Edgar Winter Group
We're an Accordion Band -- Grand Funk Railroad
The Devil Went Down to Georgia -- The Charlie Daniels Band
Back in Black -- AC/DC
Baba O'Riley -- The Who
Radar Love -- Golden Earring
Pump It Up -- Elvis Costello
Making Our Dreams Come True -- "Laverne and Shirley" theme song
Godzilla -- Blue Oyster Cult
I Melt With You -- Modern English
Moondance -- Van Morrison
Party Hard -- Andrew W.K.
Shine Your Light -- The Mavericks
Aqualung -- Jethro Tull
Stairway to Heaven -- Led Zeppelin
Uncontrollable Urge -- Devo
Fire -- Jimi Hendrix
Surrender -- Cheap Trick
(Keep Feeling) Fascination -- The Human League
Proud Mary -- Ike and Tina Turner
It's Now or Never -- Elvis Presley
Play That Funky Music -- Wild Cherry
Viva Las Vegas -- Elvis Presley
It's Not Unusual -- Tom Jones
Our House -- Madness
Da Ya Think I'm Sexy -- Rod Stewart
Sleep Walk -- Santo & Johnny.
Walk Don't Run -- the Ventures
Pick up the Pieces -- Average White Band
Tear the Roof off the Sucker (Give Up the Funk) -- Parliament
Dancing Queen -- ABBA
Dance to the Music -- Sly and the Family Stone
Walk This Way -- Aerosmith

Follow Drew's Blog

2009-06-28T07:47:00.000-07:00

Drew Carey has a blog up and is posting some funny and interesting stuff ranging from his job hosting TPIR (The Price Is Right), The Seattle Sounders (he's a minority owner), his adventures on Second Life and his adventures in real life. Dang, if he gets a third life I won't be able to keep up.

Dreaming Up a New T-Shirt

2009-06-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

This being our 20th anniversary and all, I thought we should try to come up with a new t-shirt. I had a meeting with a local artist/friend and we knocked around a few ideas. I'm pretty excited to see what he comes up with. His name is Frank Samuelson and he's done some very cool work. Check it out!
BTW, we will be phasing out the Flaming T's, so if you think you might want one, you should drop by the TDA store.

Get Well Soon, Dr. Creep

2009-06-27T15:55:00.000-07:00

Dr. Creep, the pancake-makeup-wearing frightmaster who hosted horror movies on Dayton, Ohio, television in the '70s and '80s, is having health problems.

A benefit show to raise funds for the good Doctor (aka Barry Hobart) is being held next month in Springfield, Ohio. I wish Those Darn Accordions was on the bill -- Dr. Creep's lineup of horribly great movies on Shock Theatre provided hours of entertainment during my formative years in the Dayton area.

Dr. Creep's style of weirdo TV humor and horror was great. He never failed to entertain. And now, when I watch bumpers like the one above, I realize he was playing Steely Dan and Pink Floyd during his corny intros and such. The world needs more of these types of local horror shows.

Get well soon, Dr. Creep. Thanks for all the horribly fantastic memories.

[via Laughing Squid]

The Story Of Clyde

2009-06-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

I made a demo of a tune in honor of the recently departed Clyde Forsman and put it up on our MySpace page.
For those of you who were lucky enough to see Clyde perform and meet him, I hope this brings a smile to your face.

Cheers,

Paul

Video: Catnip Makes Kitties High as a Kite

2009-06-16T15:50:00.000-07:00

I don't know what's funnier in this Weird Nature clip: The Scared Straight-style video of cats that are high as a kite, or the overblown BBC-ish voiceover.

"In the presence of catnip, they do the unexpected," the breathless announcer says. "As well as rolling around, apparently in ecstacy, they chase imaginary mice."

[via Laughing Squid]

Hamster Runs Obstacle Course

2009-06-09T16:22:00.000-07:00

The only way this could be better would be with a different soundtrack. And maybe a longer run, with some flames and water hazards.

(via Urlesque)

Saying Goodbye To Clyde Forsman, 1915 to 2009

2009-06-06T09:54:00.000-07:00

Clyde Forsman, former Those Darn Accordions frontman and tireless champion of the accordion, passed away peacefully Friday night at his home in San Francisco. He died of complications from diabetes, compounded by a series of strokes, according to his family. He will be greatly missed.

A wonderful entertainer, Clyde never failed to bring a smile to the faces of his fans, whether he was knocking them dead with his takes on Jimi Hendrix's "Fire" and Rod Stewart's "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy" -- which remain to this day the standard by which covers of those tunes must be measured -- or just chatting before or after a show.

With a lifetime of experience as a musician and carpenter, he always had a story to tell. His amazingly colorful tattoos (which can be seen on the covers of TDA records Squeeze This! and No Strings Attached) always caught the audience's eye. But it was Clyde's limitless charm and infectious personality that hooked 'em forever.

To say that we had some amazing times on the road together would be an understatement. Clyde's performances with TDA were legendary.

I had the honor to work side-by-side with Clyde for more than 10 years and I can tell you that his energy and humor were truly inspiring. He joined TDA at the very first gig in at San Francisco's Paradise Lounge back in 1989 at the age of 74. He stayed with us till 2000, wowing crowds at hundreds of shows.

Clyde's performances across the country won him friends everywhere we played. He was always eager to talk to fans before and after a show and regale them with countless tales, each one more amazing than the last. I know he drew great pleasure from his time spent with TDA and appreciated all the kind words and encouragement he received from his fans. Thank you all for helping make this wonderful memory for him.

Say It Isn't So! No More Polka Grammy!

2009-06-05T12:50:00.000-07:00

Dang! Just when TDA was putting together songs for our first polka CD, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences has decided to eliminate the category. I was really hoping to give Jimmy Sturr a run for his money. Ah well, I'm glad we found out now, rather than after we had the finished CD in the can. I guess it's back to the drawing board.

Outrage: Grammys Kill 'Best Polka' Category

2009-06-05T11:31:00.000-07:00

The Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences is eliminating the Grammy for best polka album.

The latest slap in the face to accordion lovers everywhere, announced Thursday, is a move to keep the Grammys "pertinent within the current musical landscape," according to the recording industry group.

"It's not that the polka world's not used to it," said Carl Finch, leader of the mighty Texas band Brave Combo, which beat out perpetual winner Jimmy Sturr for the polka Grammy twice in the last decade.

"The polka world expects it," said Finch. "It's like, 'Yeah, the man did it to us again.'"

No kidding -- this is an outrage! The academy now wants polka records to be nominated in the folk category.

This is all part of the gray-beard music industry's drawn-out death throes -- the old categorizations don't work anymore. The old ways of selling records don't work anymore. The superstar system doesn't work anymore. MTV doesn't play music, people don't buy CDs, even the giants don't reliably sell millions of units anymore.

Maybe the Academy will replace the polka category with a "best manufactured band created for a television show and marketed via a soft-drink tie-in" category. Because it's clearly not about the music anymore.

Video Contest Competition

2009-05-31T11:42:00.000-07:00

The entries are rolling in for the TDA Two Decades of Squeezebox Insanity Video Contest... Where's yours?

Last Chance to Win

2009-05-31T09:14:00.000-07:00

Well folks, today (May 31) is the last day you have to enter the TDA's Two Decades of Squeezebox Insanity Contest! Bust out the webcam, choose your favorite track, make a great video, and you could win all the stuff you see here!

Check out the official contest page for full details.

Beer Sommelier Makes Food Pairing Easy

2009-05-25T11:01:00.000-07:00

At a loss as to which kind of beer to drink with your Memorial Day meal? Probably not. But if you are, the Beer Sommelier is happy to help. Just select your meal's main ingredient, then select the dish, and the website will bubble up a handy list of appropriate brews.

OK, now I'm thirsty.

P.S. If you choose to enjoy a beverage on this holiday, take a second to lift it to the sky and offer a toast to all those who have served (and are serving) in our nation's military.

Let's Get TDA On Pandora

2009-05-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of Pandora? It's a very cool online personal radio station that streams the music you are most likely to be in interested in. It's all part of what they call the "Music Genome Project". One way they decide which music to add to their library is by the number of requests they get for an artist or song. That's where you come in! Please visit the Pandora site and request your favorite TDA tune. Let's get TDA on Pandora!

New Kiss Release?

2009-05-14T17:31:00.000-07:00

World's Least Likely Headline?

2009-05-12T07:24:00.000-07:00

"Accordion band back by demand" ... I am so sorry the story is not about Those Darn Accordions.

TDA's Awesome Video Contest

2009-05-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

The songs of Those Darn Accordions have inspired plenty of strange
mental imagery (and maybe a few hamster-related nightmares) over the years. Capture your own vivid TDA vision on video, and you could win a sweet set of earphones.

Just pick a TDA song, make a video for Those Darn Accordions'
Two Decades of Squeezebox Insanity Video Contest, and upload the clip to YouTube. If your video is picked as the First Prize winner, you'll get
a pair of Ultimate Ears 700 Noise Isolating Earphones, which retail
for $229. These are great earphones: They utilize advanced audio
technology that's used by 75 percent of touring musicians live
onstage. (And they make accordion music sound fantastic!) We are also throwing in a bunch of cool TDA merch to sweeten the deal. So get out your video camera and start shooting. We can't wait to see your vision of your favorite TDA song!

To kick things off, my son Jonny and I made our own homegrown video in our backyard.
Check it out!

Drew Carey Takes One For the Sounders

2009-04-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

Our pal Drew Carey is a minority owner of the Sounders, Seattle's new expansion soccer team that is up in my neck of the woods. He recently had to dodge a beer thrown from a rabid Toronto fan during a game in Canada. The ever witty Carey emerged unscathed and got off a rejoinder to the Toronto fans. Speaking of beer, we've got our own Carey beer connection right here. Go Sounders!

Make a One String Bass

2009-04-25T15:21:00.000-07:00

Are you and your friends planning to dress as TDA for Halloween this year? Well, the gang at Make Magazine recently posted this video that will help out the friend dressing as Lewis. With just a PVC pipe, some plywood, & guitar bits you have working one string bass!

TDA Is Now on Twitter

2009-04-25T14:51:00.000-07:00

Hey, who doesn't need to waste more time typing out and sharing the latest little everything? Follow us @tdaccs ...

Teller Talks Magic and Science

2009-04-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

In the current issue of Wired magazine (which is crammed with interesting stuff):

Magic and the Brain: Teller Reveals the Neuroscience of Illusion

We're fans of Penn & Teller -- great comedy, great magic, great genre-bending entertainment. (And Teller's a swell guy to talk to.)

New TDA Demos on MySpace

2009-04-18T08:17:00.000-07:00

We are contemplating taking a shot at a Polka Grammy next year. (Yes, there is a Polka Grammy). I put up 4 new tunes on our MySpace page for you to check out and weigh in on. Please let us know what you think!

Video: Robot Fetches a Beer

2009-04-05T12:36:00.000-07:00

Thirsty? Watch as these robotic bartenders pour, then deliver, a cold beer to their human overlord.

Current price for one of these metallic manservants: $400,000. But Tokyo University engineers hope to cut that to just $40,000 within 10 years.

Workplace Pranks for April Fool's Day

2009-03-24T14:13:00.000-07:00

It's never too early to start planning your April Fool's Day prank. Employment site Monster.com offers up some helpful "career advice" in the form of "Joking Around at the Office," a list of several jokes you can play on your co-workers.

The best: Swapping packing peanuts for Cheetos in a dimly lit room.

The coffeemaker was in the machine room where I worked, and the lights were never on, because people needed the room dark to see the projectors they worked on. So one time, I got an empty Cheetos bag and some Styrofoam packing peanuts shaped just like Cheetos. I dipped them in water, and then in the cheese powder from a box of mac-n-cheese dinner. I put them in the bag and left it open beside the coffeepot with a sign on it that said, "Do not eat, property of so-and-so."

I hid at the back corner machine and just kept quiet when anyone came in. I heard some interesting noises when people tried the fake Cheetos. Everyone agreed it was a good prank.

I'm guessing Monster posts these hoping some folks will try similar stunts and then be looking for new jobs April 2.

Video: Two-Handed Bowler Rolls to 'Bowling King'

2009-03-22T18:23:00.000-07:00

Check out the video from a Today Show report: "Unique bowler puts new spin on old game." Pay special attention to the soundtrack.

Accordionize Your Home - Part IV

2009-03-22T17:53:00.000-07:00

You just did laundry and somehow there's a bunch more to do again. Will this chore never end? Why not duct tape an accordion to your dryer's vent*? That's what some freshmen at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute did to their dorm's vent. Freshman Kyle McDonald explains more in the video's description.

*- Team TDA takes no responsibility for any damage caused by blocking your dryer vent. The above video has been blogged about for entertainment purposes only. But if you do anything cool like that, be sure to share the video with us!

The Janitor Knows

2009-03-09T12:12:00.000-07:00

Greg Grant from Festival Radio sent me an email letting me know "The Janitor Knows" is currently in rotation. Thanks Greg! Here's a re-post of the story behind the tune.

Squeeze Machine Secrets: 'The Janitor Knows'

Some of you know that in my other life I am an electrician. I don't do much of it these days, but occasionally my wife will let it slip to one of her friends and the next thing I know I'm up on a ladder hanging a ceiling fan.

That's exactly what I was doing when I got the inspiration for "The Janitor Knows." I saw a photograph on a wall in the room where I was working and it intrigued me enough to stop and take a closer look. It was a photo taken in a gymnasium of a guy in the foreground in what I thought was a janitor's uniform and two younger guys shooting hoops in the background.

It immediately hit me that this janitor must be waiting for these guys to finish their game so he can clean up the place and go home. It was like two different worlds in the same room. I couldn't get it out of my head and by the next day "The Janitor Knows" was done. It's actually my favorite tune on Squeeze Machine, but I really had to fight to get it on. Some of the gals in the band thought it was about a peeping tom and too creepy, but that never occurred to me. I assure you it is not.

A couple of months later, I mentioned to the people that I was working for that I had written a song about the photo on their wall. It turns out it's actually their son, who is a prison guard, and he is watching two prisoners during their exercise break. They were mildly amused at my interpretation. Geez, if I'd known what was really going on, I think I would have been sent in a whole different direction. I'm glad I didn't!

BTW, this is not the first time I got a song inspiration on the job. I was cutting some conduit and I cut my finger in the process. I immediately had an image of my high school shop teacher laughing at me. Out popped "Mr. Slagle's Revenge," which we recorded for Amped. Oh, the things I do for the sake of art!

Embroidered Drew Carey Art

2009-03-06T10:19:00.000-08:00

You've watched our pal Drew Carey on his many shows and you've sung along with him on our Squeeze Machine album. Now you can enjoy his presence in embroidery art courtesy of artist Sarah Horton. As part of an art show consisting solely of embroidered work, she created the piece seen here, "Lucky In Love." Her site is full of art where crafts meet pop culture.

This Is Why I Love 'Hee Haw'

2009-03-05T19:59:00.000-08:00

That's Jimmie Riddle and Jackie Phelps, aka "Eefen and Hambone."

They did these musical segments in every episode, and sometimes they got really weird, like when the slapped around Roy Clark as part of their routine. Other times, the crazy sounds got drenched in tons of reverb, making for one wild sonic trip.

Classic.

Kraftwurst: See the Sausage Sing

2009-03-04T17:01:00.000-08:00

Singing sausage in a Kraftwerk homage. They should really be playing polkas on accordions.

[via BuzzFeed]

Bowling's Better When You're Dizzy

2009-03-04T16:55:00.000-08:00

Spin yourself into a dizzy tizzy, then let that bowling ball rip. That's the idea behind this crazy Japanese game show.

The weird thing is, Suzanne bowls like that anyway.

[via BuzzFeed]

Battlestar Galactica Composer Plays Accordion

2009-02-26T13:38:00.000-08:00

I love Battlestar Galactica. I love the music for Battlestar Galactica, which is composed by Bear McCreary. I also happen to have a certain fondness for the accordion.

So how come I'm only now finding out that Bear plays accordion?

See him in action in this video from his 30th birthday party, in which he joins his brother's band in a version of "All Along the Watchtower" -- Galactica style.

Wacky Costumes in a Wacky Market

2009-02-25T08:03:00.000-08:00

Reuters reports German stock traders spent Tuesday in costumes celebrating Germany's Carnival Tuesday. The photo gallery is worth a peek, even though there doesn't seem to be any images of the accordion player costumes referenced in the article.