The first time I saw Gil Mantera’s Ultimate Party Dream live in concert, I wrote this:
Did I mention that Gil Mantera was dressed up in some sort of aerobics outfit and ski boots while Donny was wearing the brightest pink speedo I’ve ever seen? Did I also mention that they had all sorts of strange props around the stage (such as fax machines, printers, trampolines) that they stuffed down their pants? Or what about that smoke bomb that Gil Mantera eventually stuck up his ass? (full review)
Ten months have passed since then and I still consider their set to be one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen. I still laugh when I think about it.
Tomorrow in Columbus OH they’ll be celebrating the release of their new album Once Triangular @ Skully’s. I’ve been listening to it a lot for the past month, and I’m really excited that other people are going to finally have a chance to own their own copies.
As you might expect, this is not a typical album. Between songs there’s a healthy dose of banter from the band, recorded at one of their shows. It’ll make your laugh and your parents cringe. But that’s okay.
The thing to keep in mind about the band, though, is besides their crazy stage antics and bad jokes, the music is great. They walk a thin line between novelty act and legitimate rock band, but luckily they have the chops to back it up. The songs are well crafted, their stage show blows most bands out of the water, and they’re just a fun band to listen to, live or recorded.
You can listen to an mp3 from the new album here: Blatz from the Past.
In honor of this joyous record release, we asked Ultimate Donny, lead singer and guitarist for Gil Mantera’s Party Dream, to answer some questions from the donewaiting.com community. They asked, he answered. Here’s part one of two:
For three days now, I have asked my boyfriend to mail some letters for me. So far, he hasn’t remembered to do it. What should I do to get him to mail the letters, and, how can I avoid this situation in the future? ? Kiesha
Donny: Tell him that you won?t smile or feign enthusiasm concerning any of his hobbies until the letters are mailed. If you actually go through with that course of action, it should make him very sad.
The transmission is my Jeep is for shit. Should I let a Jeep dealer rip me a new one (knowing that their work is guaranteed for a year), or try to put a rebuilt one in myself (with the help of some family and friends who know their shit when it comes to auto repair) and risk the possibility of it not being done quite right? ? Reno
Donny: There?s too much weight with that one. I can?t deal with it.
I’m looking for a new apartment and need some advice on where to move. What part of town would you suggest I move to as someone who hates the cookie-cutter suburbia, wants a little yard to plant some flowers and a basement, attic or extra room for music equipment/office? ? Tallgirl
Donny: I don?t Columbus too well, but Alden seems to have to some character(s). If we were talking about Youngstown, I?d say? ?North side, Mother Fucker.?
Baja Fresh or Chipotle? – Mr.Metronome
Donny: They?re both good choices, but Chipotle gets me more pumped.
Where in the world is Charlie Tokyo? ? Chip
Donny: In some fucked up Erotic Art book.
I’m a shy guy. There’s this really hot girl at work I want to ask out. Are office relationships bad? And what advice do you give for me asking her out? ? Shockwave
Donny: Office relationships aren?t necessarily bad. They can be quite exciting and adventurous. My advice for asking her out is to ask her if she?d like to meet you and a group of friends out for an event where cocktails are served. You could say something like, ?[name of girl], a group of us are meeting at Cafe Bourbon Street at 9:00 tomorrow night. I just wanted to let you know that you?re invited.? Make sure you are past the point of, ?Hello.? Just be polite, and don?t be pushy if she?s not catching your vibe. On the other hand, don?t be a na?ve retard and mistake blatant flirtation for good old-fashioned friendliness. You?ll miss out on tappin? some fine ass that way. It?s tricky, but with a little practice you?ll be fine.
Where oh where do you get such fly threads? – Kelly Taylor
Donny: Parents, stores, basements, eBay, gifts, dumb shitbags who don?t realize the value the gold they?re throwing out.
Why does Satan get into the minds of some women to make them think it is okay to kill babies? ? Moesha
Donny: Satan iZ dA bEzt. Don?t ask for an explanation ?cause I ain?t got one.
Are you available for bachelorette parties? How about tomorrow night? – Kelly Taylor
Donny: If the money?s right, I?m available for all sorts of things.
Who had the better album last year…. Hillary Duff or Nickleback? ? CharlesJunk
Donny: I?ve only heard the radio songs. Based on those songs, Hillary Duff?s album kicks the crap out of Nickleback?s. I think that little bitch needs some old man love from this old man.
Why did you go with “Ultimate Donny” as opposed to oh, say, “Super Donny” or “Dope Donny” or maybe “Super Fly Donny” or “Uber Donny” or “Fabulous Donny” or “Donny Donny Bo Bonny Bo Nana Fanna Fo Fonny”??? – Trixie
Donny: Ultimate Donny is cool. All the other ones are stupid, and I can?t deal with having a stupid name. I?m considering of legally changing it back to just Donny.
Donald, why do you keep hitting on me with that baseball bat shaped thing in your pants? And why do you keep insisting that I call you ‘Uncle Donald’ as opposed to ‘Uncle Daddy?’ ? Karl Meridian
Donny: Check it. I don?t know no goddamn Uncle Daddy or Donald. Fuck dis. I?m out.
(Read Part Two here)
