ERIC PAUL is a writer and musician from Providence, Rhode Island. He has been the lyricist and vocalist for the bands ARAB ON RADAR and THE CHINESE STARS as well as his current band, DOOMSDAY STUDENT. In 2009 a collection of Eric’s lyrics and poetry was released by Wesley Eisold’s Heartworm Press titled I Offered Myself As The Sea. Since then, he has released two chapbooks: Love In The Monkey Cage and My Parents Were Insects, as well as two spoken word releases: I Sleep With Their Bones (Bathetic Records) and The Man Who Can’t Say No (Heartworm Press).
Ten Things In 2014 That I feel Very, Very, Very, Good About by Eric Paul
Wastoid By Mathias Svalina
Mathias Svalina has in his skull one of my favorite brains. His latest book Wastoid, out on Big Lucks Press, is another reason I think everyone should consider this man one of America’s best poets. Wastoid is a 154 prose sonnets that will make you reassess your definition of love. Do yourself a favor — stop dating, leave your lover, get divorced, then buy a copy of this book: http://www.biglucks.com/wastoid/
To Be Kind By Swans
After waiting 14 years, I was excited as everyone for new Swans’ albums. However, I could never quite sink my teeth into My Father Will Guide Me Up a Rope to the Sky and The Seer — not that I thought there was anything wrong with them, they just didn’t keep my attention. Still, I bought To Be Kind, and was very glad I did. It blew me the fuck away. This was the album I was waiting for.
Transparent by Jill Soloway
Not sure if it is ok to admit this — BUT — I watch television! Wow, that felt great to say. 2014 was a very exciting year for me and my television. I saw the show Transparent by Jill Soloway. It’s beautiful series – sometimes heart wrenching, sometimes funny, but overall very fucking smart. This show resonated with me – especially with my bizarre family life and upbringing. So, whether you did or did not have a cross dressing father, you will probably still enjoy this show. I think it is only available on Amazon Prime. Ya, I know, I use Amazon.
My Dead by Amy Lawless
Even though in the past this Boston writer has spoken unfavorably about my beloved city of Providence, R.I., I still love her writing. This year, I even had the privilege of seeing her read work from this book. My Dead is a fabulous book of poetry which was released by an equally fabulous press called Octopus Books. Buy this book! Buy this book! Support this press! http://www.octopusbooks.net/books/my-dead
Trouble In Paradise By Child Abuse
I LOVE this band. However, I don’t get the name. But, who am I to judge. Oddly enough, two of the three members of this band are amazing fucking dads. Anyway, another great record from a great band on the great fucking label Skin Graft. Buy it here:
http://www.skingraftrecords.com/bandhtmlpages/child_abuse.html
Why We Need To Borrow Your Drum Kit by Zach Lipez
I went on my very first reading tour in 2014 in support of a spoken word 7” I put out on Heartworm Press. The tour consisted of the amazing poet R.M. O’Brien from Baltimore, Planchette a video artist from Providence (who also did the latest Doomsday Student video featured on Boston Hassle) and the smart and witty poet/journalist Zach Lipez from NYC. As much as I loved every poem from R.M. and every second of Planchette’s videos, I have to say one of the highlights for me was hearing Zach read his insightful and humorous essay “Why We Need To Borrow Your Drum Kit.” Considering I have been in touring bands for about 20 years I am all too familiar with horrible promoters, horrible shows, and the bastardization of DIY ethics. Read Zach’s essay here: http://www.vol1brooklyn.com/2013/08/21/why-we-need-to-borrow-your-drumset/
Finding Vivian Meyers by John Maloff & Charlie Siskell
This film! This woman!
Getting Drunk With Oil Can Boyd!
My grandfather, who I was very close with, was a HUGE Boston Red Sox fan. He especially LOVED Oil Can Boyd! So, getting lit with this famous Red Sox pitcher meant a lot to me. Now, how it occurred is a rather long and involved story, but, it happened. In the summer of 2014 I got drunk with Oil Can Boyd.
First Demo by Fugazi
I’ve loved this band since I was in the 7th grade – I’ll never forget hearing “Waiting Room” for the first time: I was behind Lonsdale Elementary School. My friends and I were trying to Ollie over a sawhorse. I was sporting a horrible skater haircut, black Vision Street Wear high-tops, and a Minor Threat t-shirt when my friend Chris started blasting Fugazi’s first EP through his boombox. I was blown away. So, to hear the demo versions of the songs that had such an impact on me as a teenager was very exciting. Buy here: http://www.dischord.com/release/181/first-demo
Son Not Yet Born by Eric Paul + Wife
One of the most exciting things to ever happen to me happened in 2014 — I found out that I am going to be a dad! And this week, we found out the child is going to be a boy. I cannot wait to make him pose for photos like this one taken of me in ’77. Yes, I still have this amazing shirt and he WILL wear it in a photo.
