Annual Grog Shop X-Mas

For the Annual Grog Shop X-Mas, This Moment in Black History frontman Christopher Kulcsar says that loyal members of the band's local cult can expect Chrismukkah and a nativity in Black. "[Guitarist] Buddy is going to dress up like Santa, and he'll be lying on a medical table, with his legs in stirrups," says Kulcsar. "[Drummer] Bim and [bassist] Lawrence will be dressed as doctors. Buddy will magically give birth to me, dressed as the crucified Christ. Then, we're going to spin dreidels with contact mics attached to them, and they'll be running through several effects processors that we will manipulate, creating a breathtaking soundscape."

He's probably kidding, but we're not entirely certain, so it's worth checking out. Much more believable are Kulcsar's reports that the manic art-damaged rockers have recorded their second full-length LP with Steve Albini (Nirvana, the Pixies, Jesus Lizard) at the iconic engineer's Electrical Audio studios in Chicago. The singer humbly notes that it was "a really positive experience," and says that the band is in talks with some labels and hoping for a spring release.

For Christmas, Kulcsar says, he wants "to go on tour with Public Enemy, to have Richard Pryor back, and for George W. Bush to grow breasts." And while at least two of those things aren't going to happen, try picturing all that on Santa's sleigh.