The Mills Brothers- Smoke Rings

No smoking.

Nanny state interference? Unconstitutional busybody legislation? Casino conspiracy? Maybe, maybe not.

All I know for certain is that my world just got better. Yesterday's election means that soon almost all bars and restaurants in Kansas City, Missouri, will be smoke-free. There is legitimate concern that a few of my favorite live music venues- including Davey's Uptown Ramblers Club, Harry's Country Club, Jardine's, Mike's Tavern and the Record Bar- could lose patrons as a result of the new ban. But really- how many people are going to miss seeing a band just because they'll now have to step outside to smoke?

I'm celebrating with the relaxed brilliance of The Mills Brothers' "Smoke Rings" from the insanely wonderful The 1930's Recordings box. It's more addictive than nicotine.

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Can the combined star power of Diddy, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Wyclef, Swizz Beatz, Yung Joc and Busta Rhymes place Elephant Man on airwaves in the the United States this summer? It'd be pretty sweet to hear dancehall reggae sandwiched between Mariah Carey and T-Pain on Top 40 radio as I spend Saturdays in July at my public pool. Elephant Man's new album hit stores yesterday.

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Kansas City rock band Red Line Chemistry is receiving prime placement as a MySpace "featured artist" today.

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Kansas City Click: I was getting worried about Roger Clyne. After releasing his best post-Refreshments album, 2004's Americano, he seemed to have lost his way. Based on the new tracks from Turbo Ocho streaming at MySpace, he's firmly back in the saddle. Clyne and his outstanding band, the Peacemakers, return to Knuckleads tonight.