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Entertainment Now Turns 20

Happy 20th Anniversary to Entertainment Now. This record from my band Bat Country was released on 9/30/2000. Long time fans may recall it shipped too late for our 'record release' show at the Roxy Theatre. We still had a blast playing one of L.A.'s most storied venues for the occasion.
The album features "Can't Endure Any More," "Forcefield," and "Bad Penny Blues," along with a cover of the Rolling Stones' "Miss You." "Can't Endure Any More" was featured earlier a single on a compilation from Yesterday Girl Records. It remains one of my favorite recordings. Several of these songs were revived for my IPO set in 2019.
Many thanks to the main musicians who played on the record, Dave DeMarco, Tom Wolfe and Larry Doran; the O.G. Bat Country lineup. And thanks to the guys who subsequently played and toured the record: Henry Castro, Scott Franse and Dennis Satterfield. Thanks to Bobby Bognar for additional support and John Perry for the cover photo. Thanks to Todd Lyons who helmed the record.
20 years. It's a time machine. It is the sound of the turn of the century for me. I'm very proud of this ragged, power pop, punk/funk record. Borne of the ashes of one of L.A.'s great lost bands, Idle Kings. If you have it, I invite you to give it a spin and share your thoughts or memories of it in the comments. If you need a copy of it, DM me. I have a limited supply remaining and can sort you out.
Thanks for 20 years of love and allowing me to be your Entertainment Now.

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