Connections on Your Stereo

Now that I'm invested in a tirelessly inspiring new band, I'm sure the lackluster effort I put into updating this here blog will decrease even more. But it's fully worth it -- for my health and yours. I will however certainly be adding to the burger files and updating you on all things Connections -- that new band I've been talking about. There have been multiple versions of what Connections has sounded like over the last 2 years, countless songs on countless discs, but those are all gone now. The three shows we are playing in Columbus should show how much things have evolved since Gold Circle (apologies to the aggro Kent band who was somewhat upset we were using that name, oh well -- was my favorite department store). Recordings are in the the works -- but for now we kick off Young Professional Band Appreciation Week in Columbus with a special mix for all of you. No track list and no texting on the dancefloor.

Knockin' on Kevin's Door

I'm writing this in shaming myself for not going to "take-in" the new incarnation of Pink Reason for the third time last night. My mistake, but it was a school night. Still, what's become of Kevin Failure and Pink Reason is inspiring -- word of mouth reviews compares the new band to the Stones (I feel it can be achieved). And now, Mr. Failure lives right around the corner -- so seeing his constant shifts in full sight is something the denizens should not take for granted. One of those shifts is going from the moody immersion of his long players to the out-there concepts of his singles. The next chapter, or better yet footnote as chapters are heavier, is the Negative Guest List Jukebox Single recently released on Disordered. My review will sum up my agreeable thoughts on this anomaly. Anomaly, because the first side is chopped and screwed by Matt Horseshit and himself, giving the increasingly bizarre influence of dub more weight in today's world. Don't doubt out a whole album of this remixology. It's the b-side though that stuns. Failure and band's turn on Dylan is a stroke of genius because it fits Failure's strengths as an artist and performer like an airtight bio-hazard glove. Spooky in the recording's capture of such a pure moment. Find this. Wish I could post it here. For now, what I'm convinced is perhaps the 21st century's finest punk take:

The Heidelberg Project

The Heidelberg Project is only a short jaunt outside of downtown Detroit. Don't be wary of the neighborhood as there's really no one living in the blocks surrounding this treasure. Read up and enjoy, it will likely take you a good hour to enjoy. Three if you want to get close, discover every little idiosyncrasy of this living, breathing, art project. I'm amazed at all of the many flowers growing out of the rubble in this city. This is certainly indicative of Detroit's rise and a keystone to the city's modern landmarks.

More photos after the jump.

Telway is Detroit :: Detroit is Telway

The Telway Hamburger System

6820 Michigan Ave.

Detroit, MI 48210

(8.0)

First off, the name alone wins points in this battle. The day we rolled into Detroit, past miles of wasteland, with plenty of bright spots showing a healthier, inventive, urban future, there was a wait for burgers, not because anyone wanted them, but because the line out the door was for their coffee. Everyone was ordering "double doubles," "single doubles" and the occasional "triple triple" in referring to how they liked their cup. Yes, the coffee was great as well, much in the way White Castle coffee has that discernible comforting flavor you can't find anywhere else. White Castle was also the link that brought me to Telway at 10 in the morning, as it was described as "a mom and pop version" that late night palace of burger. Never underestimate the attempt to make a slider, even if it is White Castle. Telway know what they are dealing with when it comes to being economically and aesthetically "stuck in time." Even the wait staff seemed untouched, as if we were in nowhere Kansas.  

As you can see, 4 burgers cost you $2.25, and I'm pretty sure that's under the line at a White Castle these days. That said, I'm old enough to remember when White Castle's were a quarter and we'd drive 20 miles to get one. So Telway has grown with inflation, but still remains a gem of a cheap meal. The interior reminded me a lot of K's in Troy -- with the white tin walls and red text everywhere, a spotless small counter -- only this was in the middle of a warzone and not an idyllic downtown square. 

I can honestly say these are better than the iconic slider, even if they're missing key elements and are actually less of a patty than a White Castle. It's possible. The burgers were fresh with just the right amount of grease claiming the bun, and the standard onions and mustard giving off the usual slider musk. Perfectly dive and perfectly cooked. I could have probably eaten another four. But it was apparent it was time for us to leave. Just the institution alone, in operation since 1947, is worth your trip. The original location is likely much safer and resides in suburban Madison Heights.