Somewhere in Portland, Oregon, Peter Holmstrom (The Dandy Warhols, Pete International Airport) is layering a complex web of sound woven by himself, and various collaborators, into a electro-rock sonicgasm. That’s just how Pete works, based on my conversations with him in the past.
Pete was briefly playing bass for a gent by the [stage]name of Highway, during some Dandy down time around 2009 or 2010, when they visited Bob’s Java Jive on South Tacoma Way, on a December night. Pete and I sat at the bar, and he told me about the Pete International Airport project. He detailed the lineup, and the personal mission he was on to explore the space between the notes with the layering of sound.
Two albums later, and Pete International Airport is widely known for their intricate layering of sound, as well as the somewhat rotating cast of modern psych-rock influencers in addition to Holmstrom. Perennial favorites and contributors include Jsun Atoms (The Upsidedown, Sun Atoms), Collin Hegna (Federale, The Brian Jonestown Massacre), Jason Anchondo (The Warlocks, Spindrift), and many others from bands such as The Black Angels, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and Dark Horses.
The song chosen isn’t particularly oriented towards stoners in terms of lyrical content, but they are deep, and the music is about as ‘modern psych-rock’ as it gets. So spark up a pre-roll, infused J, bowl, or bonger of your favorite herb, then get down on some Pete International Airport. Enjoy.
While honoring a friend and former budtender of House of Cannabis, Miguel Gonzales, who passed away recently, I had the opportunity to check out the hidden gem that is McKinley Park, in Tacoma, WA.
McKinley Park is situated on the bluff overlooking the Tacoma Dome and Commencement Bay, adjacent to the south side of I-5, looking north. The park includes some beautiful landscaping, great views, multiple ins & outs, gentle slopes, and if you prefer, serious, short climbs.
(continued below pictures)
Things to do while stoned is a whimsical look at general and specific activities that many people who are stoned oft enjoy. It’s meant to be a fun look at the lifestyle.
Photos by Krista W.
Parking is located on the extreme south side of the park, part way up the hill, towards the Lincoln District from the Dome District. I approached from downtown, passing directly adjacent to the Dome, going over I-5, and up to G Street, where you hang a left. It looks like a dead end, but it’s not. Take a right, and parking is plentiful. You are at the top of the park.
As you walk down the hill, you will pass tons of native plants, trees, and wetlands. There are several mini waterfalls in the park, as well. At the bottom of the hill, you are treated to the visual pandemonium of cars merging from the S. 38th/HWY-16 northbound collector, and I-705/HWY-7 onto I-5 near the final merge point. It’s easy to dip off park grounds to burn one to help heighten the experience here, while the cars stream (or crawl) by.
Walking along the trail, the length of the park is covered to the east before you switch back and start walking up through the thicker hillside woods. Most of the water features are on spectacular display on this portion of the path. The scenery is beautiful, and I saw two snakes, several squirrels, and a few songbirds on this walk.
It took about 45 minutes to walk through the park at a fairly leisurely pace, but if you were exercising, it could be done easily in probably 10-15 minutes, depending on level of exertion. Overall, it was a beautiful walk in one of Tacoma’s most beautiful parks.
It’s that time of year again, friends — HALLOWEED.
We are running our costume contest, again, this year. Come in to any of our locations in costume, and get 25% off your order during that visit (through 10/31/2021).
Get your picture taken in your costume to be involved in our costume contest, with voting on Facebook, and via email blast, starting 10/31/2021. Winners receive gifts from our friends and sponsors at Shocktreatment Management.
Prizes will include rigs, bongs, pipes, gift bags, etc. Everyone will win. EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATES WILL WIN!
So, when you put your halloweed costume on this year, be sure to stop by and save yourself some cash on your purchase.
21+ to enter. No purchase necessary. You’ve just gotta swing by the store to enter.
At least 25 fans are being invited to a private location for a meet and greet with the legendary Tommy Chong, coordinated by our friends and partners at Level 5 Interactive! Enter by July 2nd, in store, and you could spend a few minutes chatting and getting your selfie with the LEGENDARY Tommy Chong on July 13th.
Meet & Greet Details:
Only one entry per person will be submitted to the sweepstakes. You must visit the store to enter. No purchase is necessary. You must be 21+ to walk in the front door, to enter. Sorry, kiddos. Date: 07/13/2021. Time: ~ 2:00PM. Location: To Be Announced to the winners of the sweepstakes.
What can you expect? A FEW minutes with Tommy Chong in a small group of 4 or 5 people. The opportunity for some chit-chat. TOMMY CHONG! Bring your merch for signing. House of Cannabis will have BRAND NEW sharpies on hand for Tommy to sign with in the following colors: Black, Blue, Bronze, Silver, Gold.
Come on in and get an entry filled out to meet Tommy Chong!
Oh yeah…. This stoner song was written by Tommy Chong.
You’ve almost certainly never heard of Rick Bain & The Genius Position. It’s not your fault. Let’s blame mass music marketing tactics, and the decline of the record label. I’m going to cover some Bain territory before arriving at the song at the bottom of this post.
Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Rick Bain isn’t much for consistency in releasing albums (2000, 2004, 2020) or touring. Perhaps it’s just that Mr. Bain requires that much time to build the sonic profile that nests between your ears, and plays on repeat to your brain for days at a time. Perhaps Mr. Bain just releases an album when he wants to intensify his experience of this planet. I know not, but I do know this is Rock & Roll, and that I like it. Here are a couple of things that I have observed (probably incorrectly on a few) about Rick Bain, from afar, over the last two decades:
Rick Bain looks like he’d grow some killer weed, and he makes damn fine neo-psychedelic rock, so I’m loosely connecting the two.
Rick Bain isn’t much for chatting. (see pic ->)
Rick Bain plays somewhere around 3 shows per year in Portland. Go.
Rick Bain has the best photo shoots.
Rick Bain mysteriously released one album as just Rick Bain (2004), making me wonder if he was trying out new positions. Why would you break from Genius?
Rick Bain got his start and some significant buzz when he thoughtfully rearranged and recorded his version of The Beach Boy’s “Pet Sounds” on a 4 track recorder in 1997.
Rick Bain writes super tongue-in-cheek lyrics that still make you re-evaluate life choices & lost loves.
Rick Bain & The Genius Position’s first album. 5 fucking stars, man.
Rick Bain & The Genius Position released their first full length studio effort in 2000, entitled ‘Crooked Autumn Sun‘, and is as turbulent as the album cover (pictured, left).
Virtual Heavy Pet was the 2004 follow up, spawning singles in my mind such as “Black Apple Orchard”, and “Comin’ Round”, which tallied what seems a million plays each, in my mind, and certainly several dozen on Spotify. (To be clear, I generally buy physical CDs if I see the band, and definitely any modern high quality vinyl output.)
Fucking off when you were 25 was fun, but Rick Bain’s music from that time peroid makes many regret their wasted time.
Fast forward to late 2019, and Rick Bain mysteriously drops a live album, followed quickly by “Keep It Glowing”, which features several amazing tracks ready for release in Wonderland, where they are likely to go bonkers with radio play due to relevance, cheekiness, and odd, yet beautifully melodic chord pairings.
I highly encourage checking each recording out in due time.
In the meantime, please check out the track “Linear High”, just below the sample of lyrics I’ve included. It’s pretty amazing, and it’s the cut that drew me in to Rick Bain & The Genius Position. Enjoy!
