Truckload of shows ~ Feb & March ~ DMc & PMW

It’s been 21 years since our friend and bandmate David McComb passed away ~ it may feel like a long time to some but David seems ever present in music and words and memories. This coming week sees the release of Truckload of Sky ~ The Lost Songs of David McComb and we mark the release by a special in-store acoustic performance at Rocksteady Records, Mitchell House, Melbourne on Monday Feb 17 [David’s birthday] at around 630pm. Some Triffids, some Susans ~ Alex Gow (Oh, Mercy), Romy (RVG) and myself providing vocals. There’ll be copies of the album available too.

Thanks to all who’ve been coming along to my shows this year. Next show up ~ I’m playing in solo mode in KYNETON at bar, diner, music venue, watering hole, burger joint and all ‘round friendly place MAJOR TOMS on leap day evening, FEB 29 ~ tickets available 🎫 if you fancy ~ 📸 by Tim C.

Then in March I’m doubling up with wunderkind, near~myth Peter Milton Walsh (from The Apartments) for the rarest of double bills. Half the tickets have already been swallowed up for these shows so be quick if you’re keen.

Archies Creek anyone? Shane O’Mara and I head to the new venue being run by the King of the Caravan Club, Peter Foley. It’s a little outta town ... if you’re heading towards Wonthaggi, Kilcunda or Phillip Island. Dinner and show ... plus accomodation if you needed a night away ~ they’re always trying something a little different so I’m looking forward to it. Tickets here.

Also, the Lost Songs of David McComb makes it’s live debut at The Adelaide Fringe Festival. We’ll be performing Thurs, March 12 at Adelaide University.

Rx

Cygnet Festivus, Peter Milton Walsh double bill and more Jan shows ...

Firstly, wanted to say a big, big thank you to all at The Cygnet Festival, but especially to Jethro & Ursula for the exquisite accommodation and stunning location. Nothing pleased me more than being greeted by a bevy of swans on arrival ... and it’s not often you get to stay in a converted apple packing shed sitting precariously on the Huon River.

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Looks like the start of March will be busy ~ a double bill just announced at The Merri Creek Tavern, Northcote with the near-myth behind The Apartments ~ Peter Milton Walsh. His music is of another time: post-punk but also of Burt Bacharach and Scott Walker, Françoise Hardy and Serge Gainsbourg ~ hence his popularity in France. He’s a beautiful songwriter and I’m so looking forward to sharing the stage. There’s limited tickets 🎫 available so be quick ~ I’ll headline Saturday March 7 and PMW Sunday March 8 of the Labour Day long weekend.

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Only two Saturdays left at The Union Hotel in Brunswick for this month. Hopefully see you there with my accomplice Shane O’Mara ... free and friendly.

109 Union St, Brunswick 5-7pm.
Jan 18 & 25.

Rx

Stay safe ... shows for JAN ~ Brunswick | Union + Tasmania | Cygnet Festival

Greetings and a happy festive season to you all 🎄

Hope it’s been a restful and stress free time.

Thoughts are with those experiencing hardship and loss in battling the horrendous fires throughout the land. Sad and difficult times. Seems of little consequence to mention forthcoming shows, apologies.

Firstly, three Saturdays at everyone’s favourite pub in Brunswick ~ The Union Hotel, from 5~7pm with maestro Shane O’Mara. Free and friendly if you fancy ... Jan 4, 18 & 25.

I’m heading to Tasmania to play two spots at the Cygnet Folk Festival ~ on the second weekend, hence the three out of four Saturdays.

Cygnet times and venues ~
Friday 10th 8pm: Supper Room
Saturday 11th 1pm: St James Catholic Church

The friends of David McComb have dates coming up later in the year. The CD has landed and pre~orders are still available for the February release. Truckload Of Sky is available here and here.

Happy 2020, stay safe

Rx

~ Last show of the year ~ SYDNEY ~ solo

Just a quick note ~

Last show for me this year is at Camelot’s DJANGO BAR in Marrickville this Saturday (!) ... and those kind, young hipsters JEP & DEP have been kind enough to join me for a song or two.

I’m playing two sets of past and present, lots of Sparrow & Swan.

Speaking of which, great to see Sparrow & Swan in the ESSENTIAL Top 10 for Basement Discs ~ I’ve never been essential before. Yippee~i~O.

Have a great festive season y’all ~ see you in 2020~!

Rx

Last two shows for 2019 Melb/Syd

Pictured here are producer Shane O’Mara with Kelly Day [BROADS] luxuriating whilst semi-working on Sparrow & Swan at Yikesville Studio. These two fine rapscallions join me this Sunday for my final show of the November residency at The Post Office Hotel, 229-231 Sydney Rd, Coburg ~ from 430-630pm, free and friendly. Come one, come all ...

Next and my very, very last show of the year ... I’m heading north to Sydney all on my lonesome, playing in s~o~l~o mode at Django Bar @ Camelot Lounge, MARRICKVILLE. I might even take a few requests, just give me some warning and I’ll rekindle the neurones and polish the memory banks. There are plenty of tickets 🎫 left ~ not sure when I’ll be visiting next.

Finally, the first instalment of The Lost Songs of David McComb is available for pre-order. Featuring a band made up of Triffids and Blackeyed Susans with guest singers Romy from RVG, Alex from Oh Mercy, Angie from Frenté, Simon Breed, J.P. Shilo and myself.

Truckload Of Sky is available to pre-order ~

https://thefriendsofdavidmccomb.bandcamp.com/

http://lostrecordsandtapes.com.au/

There’s also a preview of a song I sing on called ~ Kiss Him (he’s history).

Some people go to a lot of trouble to host an acoustic house concert. Big thanks to Jeanette and Greg for the stage and the backdrop of ivy ... and the good folk of Rosanna for last weekend.

It’s been a busy year in parts, thanks to all those who’ve enjoyed the songs from Sparrow & Swan. Next year I head to The Cygnet Festival in Tasmania, Fairbridge in WA, MOTH in Redhill, Major Toms in Kyneton, The Lost Ones in Ballarat and The Palais in Hepburn, Mojos in Fremantle, JUNK in Brisbane and a few more.

If I don’t catch you before year’s end have a great festive season and break.

Rx

Two Down & Django Bar SYDNEY next

Thanks to all who have popped into The Post Office Hotel, COBURG for my November residency. Those in Melbourne who haven’t ~ it’s free and kid friendly, nice and early too ~ Sunday afternoon 430-630pm. It gives me a chance to play two sets, a lot of tunes from the latest release along with the back catalogue, a chapter from the BOOK and a surprise cover thrown in. Only two shows left and this week Kiernan Box and his irrepressible hands join me on piano. Yes, KB the Susans’ keyboard player and ivory tickler with Augie March. Some of my favourite musical moments from Sparrow & Swan come from KB’s free flowing piano work, he’s been in fine form ~ come along and hear first hand.

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Also S Y D N E Y is not long off ~

Saturday December 7th. I’ve opted to play the smaller room at Camelot, known as Django Bar. I keep on hearing good things and expect it to be a more intimate, up-close listening experience. Plus I’ll be all on my lonesome, SOLO ~ come along if you can NSW friends, not sure when I’ll visit Sydney next.

Tickets available here.

Included here is a sketch Jo Gillespie whipped up in the first set at last weekends gig. Impressive, huh?

Adios,

ROB x

PO Hotel Residency Begins This Sunday

Thanks to everyone who came along to The Heart of St Kilda Concert at The Palais ~

I’m currently in Darwin, visiting Kakadu and Katherine but will be back for the first Sunday show at The Post Office Hotel. The wonderful Catherine Traicos will be joining Shane O’Mara and myself in song.

430-630pm Sydney Rd ~ COBURG.

Hopefully see you there, it’s free and kid friendly.

Rx

Sacred Heart, Darwin, Melbourne & Sydney

From St Kilda to Kings Cross, well not quite, a return to Marrickville and this time Django Bar.

I’ve always loved The Palais Theatre and harboured a deep seated desire to sing on that stage, so it’s both wonderful and fortuitous to be asked to perform at The Heart of St Kilda Concert for The Sacred Heart Mission. An organisation that supports people experiencing homelessness, preparing over 400 meals each day, every day of the year. The line~up this year includes The Teskey Brothers, Joe Camilleri, The Meltdown, Dan Sultan, Rebecca Barnard, Billy Miller & more, hosted by Brian Nankervis ~ it’ll be swell.

I’ll have the gals from BROADS, Shane O’Mara, Sean Simmons [musical saw] and Rebecca Barnard joining me to perform a couple of tunes from Sparrow & Swan.

Then I’m off to Darwin to play The Lucky Bat on Sunday Oct 27. A return to the heat and battering sun, it’s been quite a while.

In November I’ll be at The Post Office Hotel in Sydney Rd, COBURG for a month of Sundays with Shane O’Mara and Kiernan Box kinda alternating [well that’s the plan]. Returning to Sydney in solo mode at Django Bar on Sat Dec 7. Tickets 🎫 available here.

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My pal Sandy runs Hope St Space in Brunswick, an incredible gift shop which caters for the eclectic. He’s been kind enough to stock my last album there in amongst the cards and beautiful, unusual objects ~ so if you’d like a copy and live that side of town you can find it there.

Hope all is well in your world.
Rx

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Big thanks to Robert Dunstan and the good folk of Willunga ...not so sure about the macaw. [Photo Peter Dalgleish]

Tour over, thanks from Rob

Heartfelt thanks to all who came along to the shows and bought a copy of “Sparrow & Swan”. It’s really been a joyful experience performing the songs from the new album with a full band in Melb and in duo~mode with Shane O’Mara interstate.

We have one more duo show lined up in Melbourne, at Mick Thomas’ bar ~ The Merri Creek Tavern in Westgarth | Northcote South on Friday July 12. It’s an intimate space and there’s only a handful of tickets 🎫 left so head here quick if you’re keen ~ special guests for the night are gal/guy duo ~ AMARILLO.

Since things are slowing up through winter I’m intending to perform a few acoustic house concerts ~ if you’re keen on hosting one please write to RSHQ for details and availability. Options are performing solo or in duo mode with Shane O’Mara.

There’s literally only a handful of tea towels left and if you missed out you can buy online from the shop, CDs available here too.

I’m going into difficult musical terrain and taking on some majestic songs from Scott Walker later this month at The Thornbury Theatre [Fri July 19] and Caravan Music Club [Sat July 20] ~ what they’re saying ...

‘The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore – The Songs Of Scott Walker’ is a well-deserved homage to one of the most influential artists of the 20th century; featuring ‘the cream of Melbourne musicians: Rob Snarski, Dave Graney, Dave Bowers and Moogy Morgan with Stephen Hadley, Shane Reilly, Clare Moore and Jack Howard.

See you somewhere, thanks again to you all ~ Rx

WA this weekend ~ the WA edition

Heading to WA this weekend with Mr O’Mara to play The Bassendean Hotel Fri June 21 and Aardvark [Norfolk Hotel] in Fremantle Sat June 22 ~ with special guest Catherine Traicos [who is performing in trio mode]. Also hoping Catherine will join us in song for “When will you come my way”.

I thought I’d include a pic of my WAMI award from 28 years ago. According to people present there wasn’t any footage of myself to show the audience on the night and instead played some footage of David McComb. I was overseas at the time, recording with David and Kenny Davis Jnr in London ~ songs that appeared on “Depends on what you mean by love ... “ later to be released on Welcome Stranger [The Blackeyed Susans].

Prior to all this ....

Here’s my pre-release tape of Born Sandy Devotional passed on by Chris Read from Hot Records in Sydney. I listened to this album for the first time on this very tape, in a share house on Morrissey Road, Erskineville ~ 1985, overwhelmed by their new found soundscape and David’s songwriting.

Here’s a snippet of a new tune I’ll be playing ~ oh, Castlemaine and Ballarat were my beloved guinea pigs.

See you soon ~
ROB

PERTH **venue change** MELB in~store + CASTLEMAINE & BALLARAT

Firstly, there’s been an unexpected change to the Perth venue due to circumstances beyond our control ~ we’re now performing at The Basso in Bassendean [not Lyric Lane in Maylands]. Apologies to those annoyed by this but not much we can do, the fact is the venue isn’t ready to open. Sad face~!

On a happier note ~ this Friday [lunchtime] Shane O’Mara and I are playing for free downstairs at Basement Discs at 24 Block Pl, Melb [city] starting about 1230pm ~ but if you’re not a city dweller or worker and can’t make it, we’ve added a new Melbourne pub show. Heading to Mick Thomas’ bar ~ The Merri Creek Tavern on Fri July 12 + special guests Amarillo.

Tickets here ~ 🎫

It’s no secret that I love The Junk Bar but I didn’t expect such tremendous musical moments with the hostess and host last weekend. Check out these video snippets where Mia [golden voice] and Jamie [musical saw] join us ~ just incredible~!

Don’t forget we head out to Castlemaine & Ballarat for our first regional shows at The Bridge Hotel and Lost Ones Basement Bar ~ come one, come all. I know so few people out that way so hoping for a few pals to pass on the news.

See you somewhere ~ big thanks to those of you who have bought and are enjoying Sparrow & Swan.

Rx

BRISBANE, then BASEMENT DISCS

Heading to north to BRISBANE SAT JUNE 1 to play THE JUNK BAR in Ashgrove [my favourite venue this side of Twin Peaks]. Such an incredible place ~ we’ll be joined on stage by the host and hostess ~ Mia Goodwin will be singing with us, whilst Jamie Trevaskis will be bowing his musical saw ~ can’t wait.

Afternoon & evening show ~ tickets 🎫 available here & here.

Special thanks to all the good folk of Canberra who ventured out to SMITHS on Saturday night ~ what a delight it was to have Juliet Ward and Mikelangelo join us for some tunes. Glorious~!

Here’s another little video teaser for the song Robert Mitchum at Mitcham Station ~ filmed by Taryn Lee Steere at [you guessed it] Mitcham Station.

Those living or working in Melbourne, Shane O’Mara and myself will be heading down to Basement Discs Friday June 7 for an in-store performance from 1230~ish. Albums & tea towels will be available.

If you could tell your pals in Castlemaine & Ballarat we’re heading out that way for two intimate gigs [dinner & show available].

Thanks again,
Rx

CANBERRA & BRISBANE ~ Sparrow & Swan

Let’s not talk about CANBERRA **except** I head there with Shane O’Mara on Saturday night to play SMITH’S ALTERNATIVE. Yes, this SATURDAY!!!! The wondrous Juliet Ward ~ “intoxicating singer of post~punk, everything goes Canberra/Sydney band ~ The Lighthouse Keepers” + The Widdershins and solo performer, singer-songstress will be joining us for a tune or two as well.
Tickets 🎫 available here ~

In fact everywhere we go I’m inviting a friend along to sing with us. Big thanks to Amanda Brown for stepping up in Sydney to sing and play violin ~ it was an absolute delight.

At JUNK BAR [Brisbane] we have Mia Goodwin [It's Magnetic] cocktail connoisseur and supreme hostess within the dimly lit, exotic walls of JUNK joining us also. Looking forward to sharing the stage. Two shows ~ twilight and evening.
Tickets 🎫 available here ~

Plenty of shows lay ahead ~ Castlemaine, Ballarat, Perth and Fremantle ... and an in-store at Basement Discs [lunchtime] on June 7 for Melbourne city dwellers.

See you soon.
Rx

SYDNEY this Friday, CANBERRA soon and big thanks MELBOURNE

Heading north to Sydney this Friday with maestro guitarist producer Shane O’Mara to play at Camelot in Marrickville ~ comfy and lounge~like. Even more special is the wonderful Amanda Brown [film track composer, violinist, singer, Go-Between] will join us for a few tunes. Exciting as I’ve never had the opportunity for Amanda to perform one of my own songs before... given how long we’ve known one another. In fact we first met in Sydney when Chad’s Tree were recording our debut album Buckle In The Rail ~ 33 years ago! Yes, really ~ 1986.

Fast forward >>>>> I was lucky enough to be asked to sing and play harmonica with The Go-Betweens | 16 Lovers Lane shows in Sydney and Melbourne last year so I’m looking forward to this long awaited musical moment ~ thank you Amanda.

Also thanks to the good folk of Melbourne who came along to the launch of Sparrow & Swan [north-side] on Saturday night at The Spotted Mallard. The band and I were touched by your warmth and spirit, twas a special night for us.

Heading to Canberra soon too, tell your pals in the ACT if you could. In fact the cover shot of the album was taken by Brandon Jarrett in the very venue we’re playing ~ Smith’s Alternative ~ 🎫 tickets here ~

See you soon Sydney.
Rob

BE QUICK ~ MELBOURNE / SYDNEY

Saturday night May 4th sees the return of my band with no name [featuring Shane O’Mara/guitars, Rosie Westbrook/double bass, Kiernan Box/piano, organ, accordion, Ben Wiesner/drums, Kelly Day and Rebecca Barnard/bvs]. We’ll be in full flight [northside] launching Sparrow & Swan at the The Spotted Mallard ~ 314 Sydney Rd, Brunswick. Just possibly the last chance to catch the musicians who helped create and shape this album of mine + very special guest Rebecca Barnard ~

Tickets available here ~ 🎫

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Sparrow & Swan is a brilliant album. Snarski has produced his best work to date and one of the best albums of the year - 9/10
[Spill Magazine | Canada]

One thing is clear Snarski is a born singer-songwriter, savouring subtle narrative details as much as every sumptuous syllable of his phrasing.
[The Weekend Australian]

Last night I saw Rob Snarski sing an eight minute song about two girls in Belfast crossing the peace lines in search of Van Morrison. If there’s a better song going around I’d like to hear it.
[Mick Thomas]

The voice is, as always, treacle poured on warm oats but the stories of Sparrow and Swan will keep you sated for days. A record that will have you wandering outside, adrift of time and geography, happy as a lark.
[Tim Rogers]

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Next up Shane O’Mara and I head north to Sydney to play Camelot Lounge in Marrickville, Friday May 10. So nice to have Amanda Brown joining us for a few tunes ~ tickets here 🎫

Big thanks to all in Adelaide who came along to The Wheatsheaf, thankyou. Rx

ADELAIDE *Sunday* ~ WA in June

Firstly, a big, big thanks to all who attended the south-side launch for Sparrow & Swan at The Caravan. ‘Twas a fine night ~ the musicians, the audience, the ambience ~ thanks for listening, so attentive ~ couldn’t ask for anything more.

I’m taking my moustache, a couple of guitars and maestro guitarist Shane O’Mara to ADELAIDE to launch Sparrow & Swan at The Wheatsheaf, Thebarton this Sunday, April 14 **one show only** ~ 5pm doors. Looking forward to playing my favourite pub in Adelaide.

Tickets 🎫 available here ~

Also, finally ... very pleased to announce two shows in WA ~

Lyric Lane, Maylands
Friday June 21
Tickets 🎫 here ~

The Aardvark, Fremantle
Saturday June 22
Tickets 🎫 here ~

See you soon ~ Rx

🚀 FRI NIGHT LAUNCH ~ Sparrow & Swan

Very excited to be able to perform all these songs tonight with the talented folk who have contributed to the sound and shape of the album ~ Shane O’Mara, Kiernan Box, Ben Wiesner, Rosie Westbrook, BROADS and Rebecca Barnard ~ all join me ~ come one, come all.

Tickets 🎫 here ~

As well as the album we’ll have a new range of tea towels for sale. Using the inside sleeve painting by the wonderful Madeleine Stamer, Sparrow & Swan 100% cotton ~ they really are quite lovely.

Shane and I dropped into Radio National yesterday for an early morning performance of “That Whole Summer Long” ~ you can hear it here about 2:10 into the show.

Thrilled to have Amanda Brown [soundtrack composer, violinist, singer and Go-Between] join us for a few songs at our Sydney show next month at The Camelot 🐪 Lounge ~ Fri May 10. Guaranteed to be special ~

Tickets 🎫 here ~

See you TONIGHT at The Caravan ~

Rx

ps. Due to circumstances beyond my control the Adelaide shows at THE WHEATSHEAF have merged into one ~ 5pm [2pm has been axed].

GIDDY~UP 🐎 ~ SNARSKI ~ Melb & Adel shows looming

This week has been filled with radio commitments and rehearsals. The band is sounding mighty fine to my ears, just keeps getting better and better. Spoilt.

Not many people would know this but I sang at the opening of the ABC building at Southbank, there on the rooftop in the presence of the then Prime Minister ~ Paul Keating ~ 1994. Nice to be reminded of this as I wandered into the ABC where I had a chat with Henry Wagons on Double J ~ for Tower of Song.

Great also to chat with Brian Wise on 3RRR last Saturday morning for his long-standing show Off The Record.

M E L B O U R N E ~ The album launch 🚀 is merely days away and there’s still plenty of tickets left at The Caravan Music Club this F R I D A Y ~ come one, come all ... try to be early [830pm] to see the BROADS. We’re on at 930pm [full band] ~ see you there.

Tickets 🎫 here

A D E L A I D E ~ hope you’re all coming along to The Wheatsheaf where I’m in duelling mode with guitarist Shane O’Mara ~ Shane has been the right hand man to many great singer-songwriters including Paul Kelly, Chris Wilson, Stephen Cummings and with his own band Rebecca’s Empire ~ would be great to see some familiar faces at The Wheaty.

Tickets 🎫 here

Here’s a snippet from rehearsal ~ Equine Dreaming [outro] with BROADS.

Sparrow & Swan: the musicians, plus video peek

Pleased to unveil just some of the ensemble involved in the recording of SPARROW & SWAN and who will also be joining me along with super gal duo BROADS and Rebecca Barnard for the album launch at The Caravan Music Club.

Here we have ~ Ben Wiesner : drums, Rosie Westbrook : double bass, Shane O’Mara : guitars, yours truly and Kiernan Box : keyboards. Rehearsals have been sounding exceptional ~ if you don’t mind me saying.

We had a lot of fun putting this footage together. Here’s a video teaser for the single ~ ALL GOD’S CREATURES ~ shot in the Sherbrooke Forest not far from home, by my good pal Taryn Lee Steere 🎥

Thanks to all the children who starred ~ energy levels were cracking the richter scale, no limbs were broken and no-one was bitten by a snake or attacked by a wombat, thankfully.

Album launch coming up all too soon at The Caravan, Friday April 5th ~ see you there with this stellar cast ... then onto Adelaide with guitar maestro Shane O’Mara for two special shows at The Wheatsheaf [early and not so late] Sunday April 14th.

Come one, come all.
Rx

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Just on a fanboy note ~ saddened by the news of the great Scott Walker passing away. If you’ve never heard Scott 1-4 and love lush orchestrations, visceral and visual lyrics sung beyond beautifully, he may be someone you’d like to tune into. Here’s one of my favourites ~ ROSEMARY.

CD Out ~ Shows Ahead ~ Album Launch

Tick-tock... the album launch is only three weeks away ~ so get in real quick for a table seat at the new Caravan Music Club. I’ll be joined by the magnificent players on the record ~ Shane O’Mara [guitars] Kiernan Box [piano | organ] Rosie Westbrook [double bass] Ben Wiesner [drums] and the glorious vocals of Kelly Day and Jane Hendry aka BROADS, singing back-up, with Jane adding a touch of violin. We’ll be concentrating on the new album but also delving into some of my favourite songs from my back catalogue ~ Wounded Bird, Low Fidelity and There Is Nothing Here That Belongs To You.

It’s Adelaide’s turn next with two shows at The Wheatsheaf [early and not so late] on Sunday April 14. Shane O’Mara will be on the road with me for the remainder of the tour ~ he’s the producer of the album and took great care in shaping the sound of the record, not only that but he’s a maestro guitarist ... incredible.

Thanks again to all those who pre-ordered SPARROW & SWAN. It should be in your local, beloved record shop by now but you can still purchase online here for a signed copy from me.

The album is also available to order via Bandcamp and iTunes.

Here’s a little bit about Track 3 ‘Robert Mitchum at Mitcham Station’ ~ a train trip [over the course of decades] pays homage to forgotten Hollywood star Robert Mitchum ~ if not for one little vowel. The song deals with the intimacy of the train carriage’s enclosed space, blasé and apathetic behaviours ~ conversations overheard, drug dealings, romantic notions, and our obsession with popular culture.

Things we do and sometimes dream up to try to escape the general ennui we experience in our day to day existence.
Rx