PAPERBACK WRITER: Last week, I received a package containing The Lost Manifestoes of Camden Joy along with a cover letter saying no biographical information about Joy was currently available, although they could put me in touch with him if I was "desirous." Nobody really knows who Joy is; he's a mystery scribbler who has achieved a certain notoriety among rock and roll circles of late. Consisting of sycophantic gushes for the bands Yo La Tengo ("Who dares to suggest unto me that Yo La Tengo are not great like Chinese food?"), Pavement ("They are mine alone and I am theirs all theirs"), a venomous rant aimed at singer/songwriter Freedy Johnson ("I would offer a hug if my suit were explosive") and a bid to father Madonna's child entitled "I Need My Mommy," Joy's passionate screed is written as though he hasn't a doubt that the world is hungry for his voice. Out of the original 150 tracts posted or handed out at various locations around New York City during the fall of 1995, only 22 were successfully retrieved by some curious New Yorkers who began searching for Joy in the interest of publishing his Lost Manifestoes. Joy soon contacted them by phone and was pleased to learn of their endeavor. In addition, he sent them three "lost pamphlets": The Greatest Record Album Ever Told (Frank Black's Teenager of the Year ), The Greatest Album Singer That Ever Was (Al Green), and The Greatest Record Album Band That Ever Was (Credence Clearwater Revival). It isn't difficult to understand why the effusive and ardent nature of the writing stood out in the gray metropolis. While the analysis is purely subjective and emotional, there is a certain charm to Joy's impassioned communications. Although they sought a larger publisher to handle the project, the integrity would have been compromised. The booklets are elegantly hand-printed and are available for $4 each postpaid from Tract Home Publications, P.O. Box 14806, Portland, OR 97214. LAST NOTES: Cutting-edge cello-guitar duo The Nudes appear in concert at the Southwest Center for Music, 2175 N. Sixth Ave. at 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 16. An innovative and unique musical collaboration, The Nudes style is both lush and powerful. Tickets are $6 in advance, $5 for students and members of TFTM, TKMA and KXCI, available at Hear's Music and the Southwest Center for Music. Tickets will cost $2 more at the door. Call 884-1220 for more information. The Jess Hawk Oakenstar Band will make their first Tucson appearance at Girlfriends Coffeehouse & Bookstore, 3540 N. Oracle Road, from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 17. Originally from Zimbabwe, singer/songwriter/ guitarist Oakenstar lived in New Zealand for 10 years before arriving in the U.S., where she has toured extensively over the last six years. Blending country, rock and folk with keen insights and a positive message made Oakenstar a New Folk finalist at the Kerrville Folk Festival in 1992. Admission is $5 and you'll receive a free tattoo of her logo. Call 888-4475 for more information. White Chrome Splendor celebrates the release of their new CD at Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St., on Friday, May 17. The Luminarios kick off the party with an opening set at 9 p.m. four bucks gets you through the door. Call 622-8848 for more information. Acoustic blues sensation Rory Block performs at the Berger Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Speedway, on Friday, May 17. Often compared to Bonnie Raitt, Block is an extraordinary flatpick and slide guitarist, infusing blues classics with energy and emotion, ranging from gentle expression to a pounding percussive style. Taj Mahal says, "She's very simply the best there is." One listen to her latest release Tornado and you'll understand why. Special guest Stefan George will open the show with a set of original songs at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are $17 for the general public, $15 for KXCI and TBS members, available at Hear's Music, Last Wax Records, Mars-Hall Music Center, Loco Records and KXCI. Tickets will be $3 more on the day of show. Call 623-1000 to charge by phone or for more information. Jars of Clay appear in concert at The Rock, 136 N. Park Ave., on Wednesday, May 22. This band has broken the last rule left in rock and roll by crossing over from Christian rock to the alternative market on the strength of their debut single, "Flood," produced by guitar virtuoso Adrian Belew, who also plays guitar on the song. At once fierce and melodic, Jars of Clay represent one of the most intriguing projects to emerge this year. Call 629-9211 for ticket information. Front Side Grind is having their CD release party at the Rialto, 318 E. Congress St., at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 18. Special guests White Chrome Splendor, Grale Kay and Clueless open the show. Tickets are $5, available at the Rialto. Call 791-0911 for more information. --Jennifer Murphy

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