I first discovered Wesley‘s work when I was in high school and I was immediately drawn to it (pun intended).  Clearly the man had some obvious points of comic appeal, such as extreme moments of profanity and graphic references to bestiality, but there was definitely something deeper to him, even if it wasn’t always easy to determine exactly what it was.  The documentary Wesley Willis’s Joy Rides has successfully managed to capture and express those difficult to verbalize qualities, which made Wesley such a remarkable and inspiring individual.  One quote from the film, which most aptly sums up this phenomenon, was made by Willis‘ friend/art patron, John Stulgate, who said,  “You could see people’s hearts through their interactions with Wesley Willis.”

Although I had been a long time fan, I didn’t get a chance to see Wesley live until 2002.  The show took place in Seattle at The Graceland (now, El Corazon) and Grand Buffet was opening.  I’ll never forget walking from the bar through the doorway into the venue.  I saw Wesley immediately; he was staring frighteningly out of the corner of his eye and in my direction from behind the merch table.  Due to his immense size and weight, Wesley could be a daunting figure and his breaths were loud and heavy like a tranqued hippo.  I, eventually, made my way over to the table to say hello.  I had brought a sniper deployment manual and a 25¢ hardcover book about rottweilers for him to sign, in lieu of my Book of Mormon and 100 Deadliest Karate Moves books, which I had temporarily left in California.  He signed the sniper book but, once he got the rottweiler book in his hands, he was mesmerized.  “Can I keep this book“, he asked.  “Sure“.  After that, it was like I wasn’t even there, so I slipped away as he focused intently on pictures of similar looking dogs.  When the show ended, Wesley headed back behind the table to flip his wares.  I bought a live EP and asked him if he liked the book.  “I got that right back here!” he said.  Then he added, “I wrote a song called ‘Suck a Rottweiler’s Ass‘.  I’m gonna write a song called ‘Suck a Rottweilers Dick‘!“  So I told him, “You need to write a song called ‘Suck the Stripes off a Zebra’s Dick‘.”

“Is that a song called ‘Suck a Zebra’s Dick’?”
“Suck the stripes off a zebra’s dick“, I clarified.
“Yeeah… Which words- whatcha say?”
“Suck the stripes off a zebra’s dick.”
“Suck the stripes off a zebra’s dick.  I’ll write that- I’ll write that for you right now.”

As he signed the CD booklet, he began spitting out some partially nonsensical verses, until he was distracted by the rest of the crowd.  Then I bumped his forehead and, with his giant paw on the back of my skull, I repeated after him as he directed.  “Saw ‘RAWK!‘…..Say ‘ROWL‘!” etc.

Wesley was massive and he performed his entire set sitting down.  The table next to him was littered with over a dozen empty cups that he had drained of beer before leaving the stage.  My girlfriend, at the time, was concerned about the health of the schizophrenic rock star, but I assured her that he was fine and of better health than he appeared.  By the following year, she already had left me; moving from our duplex and into the van of a schizophrenic man who had been secretly stalking our home (seriously).  Lost in this wingnut felon’s fucked up delusions and influence, she was misguided regarding just about every decision and intuition that she would have from then on.  Unfortunately, out of everything, the one thing that she would be correct about was Wesley‘s well-being.  Willis died of chronic myelogenous leukemia on August 21st, 2003 and it was the only time that I had ever felt a legitimate sadness and emptiness by the death of a public figure.

4 months prior to his death, a documentary about Wesley titled, The Daddy Of Rock ‘n’ Roll was released.  One thing that the film showcased was Wesley‘s constant search for additions to his animal book collection; something that I was unaware of when I gave him rottweiler book.  As a fan of his work, I enjoyed seeing random footage of the artist in his day to day life but, as a fan of documentaries and film in general, Wesley Willis’s Joy Rides is much more well rounded.  While it’s predecessor works well for those that were already familiar with the artist’s work, Wesley Willis’s Joy Rides is the type of documentary that is powerful and well-constructed enough for anyone.  Filmmakers Chris Bagley and Kim Shively, created a documentary that sheds light on every aspect of Willis‘ life that I ever wanted to know about.  His troubled upbringing and home-life are more heavily addressed; Wesley has multiple siblings, which appear in the film along with his father.  I was also introduced to the amazing, yet unorthodox, techniques used to produce his drawings (see: 52 seconds into trailer #2).  I can stare at the piece that I have in my home, endlessly boggled by it’s simplicity and depth, not unlike the man who created it.  Knowing that he often ignored the use of rulers and other tools to replicate some of the perfect lines of his cityscapes, makes it even more impressive.  His friends, colleagues, hustling, creative processes and more are all addressed thoroughly.  Most of all, Wesley Willis’s Joyrides shines the spotlight on the intangible aspects of Willis, his life, and what made them so compelling.

You may remember that, back in 2008, our writer, Memes viewed a screening of WWJR at the Noise Pop festival in San Francisco.  [His detailed review of the showing, which featured a Q&A by Jello Biafra, can be read by clicking HERE].  This post is slightly more focused on the DVD release, but my deductions are in full agreement of what Memes has already stated; this film is a “success“.  The only major difference is that I can now add “it’s worth owning.”  Along with the art and photo galleries, the 50 minutes of additional footage only add to the value of this documentary.  Fans of Scream Club and/or Old Time Relijun may be excited to discover members of each group appearing in the extra scenes.  When I first met Cindy Wonderful (Scream Club) and OTR drummer, Germain Baca, they were both members of a Denver-based, all-female group known as Rainbow Sugar.  Not until a few years later, when Cindy gave me a split 7″ feat. Rainbow Sugar and Willis, did I realize that they had worked together.  While Baca does make a quick appearance or two in the actual film, the deleted scenes offer even more footage of that time period and even contain video of Rainbow Sugar collaborating with Willis on a song about Mr. T.  While there are plenty of both tragic and humorous moments throughout, there are also moments of great inspiration.  While too many documentaries have been created under the misguided belief that a subject alone can adequately carry an entire film, this one comes across as well researched and never feels exploitative.  Wesley Willis’s Joyrides is composed with great care, with an equal respect for it’s subject and honesty.  It’s definitely a recommended rental for anyone, however, if you are already a fan of Willis, you might as well just save the loot and put it towards buying the DVD.  If you’re anything like me, you’ll love it like a milkshake.

[Trailer #1]

Click here to view the embedded video.

[Trailer #2]

Click here to view the embedded video.

Wesley Willis’s Joyrides can be purchased through HERE

I know how reckless you crazy kids are today, with your LSD and your magic mushrooms. You smoke your salvia divinorum, get “digital” with your delinquent adolescent cronies off that Dimethyltryptamine, and liquid dance all night to happy-hardcore beats while hopped up on synthetic mescaline and designer drugs likes 2C-I.

Nobody’s going to tell you what to do, with your teenage attitudes and misguided views of invincibility. I’m not even going to try to attempt it.  What I am going to do, however, is break a few things down for you as far as hallucinogens go.

1) The environment is possibly the most important factor in how your night is going to turn out.

2) There are some locations that will increase the likelihood of your experience going South fast.

3) The “best” places to trip out are also often the “worst” and vice-versa.

Here are some of the riskiest spots to get spun out and act-a-fool in the Seattle area.

10. The Space Needle

It’s common knowledge that the placing of this gigantic rig in the middle of the city has played a key role in subliminally forcing people into smack addiction and the growth of the black-tar problem here in Seattle.  But, how does it affect those who are simply spun out of their gourds and wandering around aimlessly in Seattle Center, you ask?

First off, it resembles a glowing UFO that is beaming you up inside of its futuristic lair.  It’s only a matter of time before you’re peeling your clothing off with the knowledge that human garb is unnecessary in the afterlife and that you cannot ascend to space/heaven with the rest of the chosen people, who are moving on to the next dimension, unless you’re naked and pure.

Not only do they serve overpriced swank meals to yuppies, that would be uncomfortable to be surrounded by, but they also have an observation deck that is very loosely barricaded by wiring.  Keep in mind that this is the view from the bottom, so you can only imagine what the view from the top would be like.

9. The Pacific Science Center

(imax & Laserdome)

You may be thinking, “What?! Laser shows are the perfect place to get all whacked out and trip!” Sorry, but I disagree.  Sure, I could probably do a Dark Side or maybe even the Radiohead shows that they’ve had going on there, but I couldn’t spend the night lying on my back forced to listen to Linkin Park or Korn.  It’s not that they are “spooky” or have dark lyrical content; it’s just because they are so fucking terrible and epitomize a bad trip waiting to happen.

What may be even worse, is that they host a highly educational bug exhibit.  Sound interesting?  Really?  It’s in IMAX and 3D.  It might sound like like a good idea to watch a giant, 3-dimensional praying mantis from Borneo crawl around, inches from your face, in the dirt and grime but…   How about this?  Why don’t you just let us know how it works out for you?

8. Teatro ZinZanni

ZinZanni includes a 3 hour show and a 5 course meal that you won’t be able to eat, while you’re swallowing excessively from your bony dehydration.  It’s not so much the chaotic circus like surroundings, because a Cirque De Soleil show wouldn’t be anywhere near as bad.  The issue is that the show is interactive and that they will actually pull your ass up on stage.

I was in there once, a long time ago, and will not soon forget it.  I was somewhat out of my mind for a different (powder related/sleep deprivation) reason.  They led me out into the middle of the restaurant and the floor raised up from the ground.  I had a spotlight shining in my eyes and I was encouraged to shadow box a Russian clown.  Two young Canadian twin sisters, dressed like French maids and holding number cards, took turns sitting on my lap in between fake rounds.  It had been “a while” for me and I was at my “rapiest”.  I had blinding spot-lights in my eyes in the center of a packed restaurant and I was so disoriented that I forgot where I was at.  I was unreasonably close to throwing a jab at that clown’s chops and grabbin’ a squeeze of a finely toned lady performers areas.  Later, when I was urinating in the Men’s room, there were adult businessmen patting me on the back, while congratulating me on my stage presence and involvement in the show.  For some reason shit like this unites impressionable people and their boundaries completely evaporate.  Not awesome.

Here’s an example of the chaos that is ZinZanni:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjGsEdTQjmc

7. COURT

Seriously, why would you even consider doing that to yourself?

6. Ye Olde Curiosity Shop

It’s a local establishment down by the waterfront that’s full of wacky and creepy shit.  If you want to see a jar with a fetus floating in it, a mummy, or a shrunken head, this is the spot.  You can even purchase an apple flavored sucker with a real worm inside.  This one is probably best described with images so….

…here’s a little example of what Ye Olde Curiosity Shop has to offer a psychedelic mind:

5. The Aurora Bridge

Rapidly climbing up the list of bridges for the highest suicide rates, behind front runners like The Golden Gate Bridge in SF.  Just having this type of knowledge in your head makes it that much more dangerous for you to be chillin’ out on it’s rails.

Added Note:  Watching The Lost Boys before hand, may heighten the risk factor.

4. Regrade Park

It’s an off-the-leash dog park on 3rd Ave.  This means that not only are you going to have to deal with Pit bulls running around and barking at you but, this is Cracksville pal.  It’s great if you plan to get a hit off some rock but, otherwise….. bad idea.  The fiends must not have gotten the memo that they were cleaning this place up.

Homeless crackheads swarm this area in groups like a zombie attack.  The last time that I was down there at dusk, was the first time in my life that I ever regretted not owning a chainsaw.

3. Harborview Burn Center

Being taken to the hospital on LSD is frightening enough.  If you are on your way to the burn center, the worst has probably already happened and it’s, most likely, for the best.  This list, however, is about places that you could go to voluntarily but that we would not recommend.  For that very reason, the burn center has made it toward the top.

The smell of sterilization and fear.  Screaming children and bright fluorescent lights.  Again…. why would you want to do that to yourself?

2. The Firing Range

You’ll spend your time wondering if it’s more dangerous for you to be holding a loaded weapon, or if you should be more worried about the fact that the other people have them.  You will inevitably find out that answer, one way or the other.

1. DUI Victims Impact Panel

So, you have received a form like the one above?  Maybe you can’t wait to show the man how little you give a fuck about his “laws”.  Maybe, just maybe, you decide that you are gonna do one better than roll the establishment’s subpoena into a fat spliff and take it to the dome.  Perhaps, you think the most rebellious angle to take is laying this legal document in a vat to soak up some of that sweet L25 and use it to dose up before attending the mandatory court-ordered lecture on the dangers of drunk driving.  If so, you are a goddamn fool.  Not only have you been reckless with the lives of others but, now you’re risking the future of your own psyche in the process.

This is much worse than attending a court date.     Now you get to sit at a Victims Panel where those affected by vehicular manslaughter tell the stories of their loved ones lost.  You may even get the chance to view some graphic images through photos and/or video?  If you think that this is the time to eat that sugar cube you’ve been saving in your freezer, then something is definitely wrong with you.  I’ve seen the traumatized look on a friend’s face who had to attend one of these and he was completely sober during it.   One thing is for sure, though; the message will definitely sink in.