Future Endless Heroes

Several years ago two of my favorite artists came together for a live performance. In this instance, the city of Chicago was blessed with having Canadian pop heroes Stars, opening up for British pop legends Saint Etienne in what must have been one hell of a concert. I would have killed to have been there! A year or so later...

In the fall of 2003 the Fates made it up to me, bringing together another brilliant musical pairing. Local pop kids My Favorite opened up for Scottish pop stars Belle & Sebastian. What a GREAT show that was! Town Hall roared with excitement (or wait, was that just me?). No, no...the whole arena rumbled as the crowd welcomed The Faves for their first large stage performance in the US, appropriately setting the tone for the highly anticipated (never disappointing) B&S.

Whether in music, film, or otherwise, it makes me incredibly happy when two highly regarded artists cross paths. (I hope that Ric Ocasek doesn't disappoint me in his collaboration with Le Tigre.) It's really exciting when those whose work I enjoy, collaborate with or admire each other. Recently, I came upon another interesting "crossing of paths"; and so, technically, my blog entry starts here:

I have been a dedicated fan of Stephin Merritt—of The Magnetic Fields and Future Bible Heroes fame—for several years now. Although I have never had the privilege to see him live, his song writing ability really astounds me. I have also been a fan of Neil Gaiman—of The Endless/Sandman fame—since the early Nineties. Gaiman was one of the DC comics writers who in the late 80's was elevating comic book writing to a level of sophistication not seen before. He's now a dedicated novelist. And guess what!? He's also a fan of Stephen Meritt! So for those of you who are just as excited as I am to know this, you can read what Gaiman has to say about Merritt here.

[mm]

n.p. Moonbabies, Sun A.M.