When 2005 began, my mom said, "I don't like odd-numbered years. They are bad luck."
I, the self-righteous know-it-all at times, told my mom how silly she was and that there was nothing to worry about. Twelve months later, I can admit I was wrong. 2005 has been a pretty rocky year. Hurricane Katrina, as I have now seen first-hand, devastated the City of New Orleans and wiped out entire cities of Mississippi. It was enough to cause my friends and family members to scatter across the United States, and my parents may move away for good. Friends and family members of mine are living in FEMA trailers while their homes are gutted. They've lost all their appliances, furniture, clothes and sense of security. Then, hurricanes Rita and Wilma left trails of destruction, too. The war in Iraq continues with no end in sight, I paid more than $3 a gallon for gas, terrorists bombed buses and subways in London, Sandra Day O'Connor announced her retirement from the Supreme Court, and George Dubya started a second term in the White House.
Can't wait for 2006, right? Well, you're going to have to add a second to that countdown on Dec. 31. Wait a sec for leap into 2006.
According to the article, "A leap second is added to keep uniform timekeeping within 0.9 second of the Earth's rotational time, which can speed up or slow down because of many factors, including ocean tides. The first leap second was added on June 30, 1972, according to NIST, an arm of the U.S. Commerce Department."
To be fair, 2005 was pretty good to me. My parents survived Hurricane Katrina with barely a roof shingle missing, I attended my first Coachella Festival, got a brand new MINI Cooper named Tallulah, started taking Sign Language classes with a kick-ass teacher, saw snow for the very first time on my first trip to Canada, met Conor Oberst, started my own blog, etc. etc. Brad got a new job and bought his first home, Christy and Tom got a new home and a dog named "Polly," and I spent lots of quality time with my friends and family.
Regardless, 2006, you have a lot to live up to.
12.27.2005
12.23.2005
Betamike gets well-deserved recognition
12.18.2005
scientists and social experiments
Monday, Dec. 19 -- set your DVR for Late Night with David Letterman. We Are Scientists are scheduled to perform!
I was wasting time on the Internet today, and I found a new gem. NPR has a new pop culture podcast that's available on iTunes. I love NPR's reporting style. It's intelligent, objective and completely engrossing. Because they're not held captive by advertisers, they can spend 12 minutes talking about the fascinating origins of the King Kong movie ... and I'm not being sarcastic. Every time I tune in to my beloved public radio, I learn something truly interesting. It's the kind of stuff you can use at parties!
The podcast included a story from Jennifer Sharpe about these incredible songs from the early 70s that are performed by children. The story was called Kid Funk. In one of these preludes to hip hop consciousness, 6-year-old Angela Simpson recites Langston Hughes poetry, and it's strangely affective.
"I'm just a litle girl from Harlem. More power to the people," the first grader says.
Another from Nancy Dupree and her Rochester School Children, called "James Brown," is peculiarly addictive. Be sure to listen to the NPR story first, then check out the songs. I immediately had to have more, and I scoured the Internet for a while and found a few mp3s from Angela, but none from Dupree's Ghetto Reality.
If there's someone on your Christmas list who would love something so odd and beautiful, go to WFMU's blog for mp3s of several of Angela's songs.
I was wasting time on the Internet today, and I found a new gem. NPR has a new pop culture podcast that's available on iTunes. I love NPR's reporting style. It's intelligent, objective and completely engrossing. Because they're not held captive by advertisers, they can spend 12 minutes talking about the fascinating origins of the King Kong movie ... and I'm not being sarcastic. Every time I tune in to my beloved public radio, I learn something truly interesting. It's the kind of stuff you can use at parties!
The podcast included a story from Jennifer Sharpe about these incredible songs from the early 70s that are performed by children. The story was called Kid Funk. In one of these preludes to hip hop consciousness, 6-year-old Angela Simpson recites Langston Hughes poetry, and it's strangely affective.
"I'm just a litle girl from Harlem. More power to the people," the first grader says.
Another from Nancy Dupree and her Rochester School Children, called "James Brown," is peculiarly addictive. Be sure to listen to the NPR story first, then check out the songs. I immediately had to have more, and I scoured the Internet for a while and found a few mp3s from Angela, but none from Dupree's Ghetto Reality.
If there's someone on your Christmas list who would love something so odd and beautiful, go to WFMU's blog for mp3s of several of Angela's songs.
12.13.2005
coachella 2006!!!
Christy, who opened the doors to the heaven known as Coachella to my friends and me, enthusiastically announced yesterday that Coachella 2006 will be held on April 29 and 30. We are so excited, we can barely hold our bladders.
If you can't wait for the real thing, we've also just learned that we can go to the local indie art house in January to watch a film with a whole bunch of performances from Coachellas past. We can relive the joy of The Arcade Fire and finally get to see Beck among the palm trees and mountains. Will he be at the campsite? Will he be on stage? Oh, the anticipation!!!
If you can't wait for the real thing, we've also just learned that we can go to the local indie art house in January to watch a film with a whole bunch of performances from Coachellas past. We can relive the joy of The Arcade Fire and finally get to see Beck among the palm trees and mountains. Will he be at the campsite? Will he be on stage? Oh, the anticipation!!!
12.10.2005
the party's gonna crash us!
Of Montreal is coming back to Orlando! They will be playing The Social on Feb. 17. The rest of the tour dates can be found on the official Of Montreal Web site.
12.08.2005
what are your favorite tunes?
People have the power! Vote for your favorite tunes of 2005 for NPR's All Songs Considered online music show. Here's the
online form.
Pitchfork Media announced the shortlist for the new Pantheon Pantheon Music Prize. Apparently, the Shortlist Music Prize, which was bestowed upon Damien Rice and TV on the Radio in recent years, is now defunct. One of hte guys behind that award has initiated this new one -- drama! It sounds identical; a list of big-name entertainers, including Elijah Wood, Shirley Manson, Ben Gibbard, Beck and a couple of actors from the "O.C." (???) are charged with awarding the prize for the best band you won't hear on the radio.
Go to Pitchfork Media for the full list, but here's a peek:
Arcade Fire - Funeral
Björk - Medulla
Brazilian Girls - Brazilian Girls
Bright Eyes - I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning
Broken Social Scene - Broken Social Scene
Death Cab for Cutie - Plans
The Decemberists - Picaresque
Devendra Banhart - Nino Rojo
Elliott Smith - From a Basement on the Hill
The Faint - Wet From Birth
Fiona Apple - Extraordinary Machine
John Vanderslice - Pixel Revolt
Le Tigre - This Island
Maria Taylor - 11:11
Nada Surf - The Weight Is a Gift
Rilo Kiley - More Adventurous
Scissor Sisters - Scissor Sisters
Sleater-Kinney - The Woods
Spoon - Gimme Fiction
Stars - Set Yourself on Fire
Sufjan Stevens - Illinois
Wolf Parade - Apologies to the Queen Mary
The 10 finalists will be announced soon, and the winner will be known on Feb. 6, two days before the Grammys. That's interesting, because if you heard about the nominations today, you know that they suck. Anyone who could think that the Stuck in the Closet songs are even art, much less good, doesn't deserve to be awarding any kind of national recognition.
Here's one of the better categories:
Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal
Speed Of Sound - Coldplay
Best Of You - Foo Fighters
Do You Want To - Franz Ferdinand
All These Things That I've Done - The Killers
Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own - U2
Nine inch Nails' "The Hand That Feeds" earned a nomination in the Best Hard Rock Performance category.
Best Rock Song (A Songwriter(s) Award)
Best Of You - Foo Fighters, songwriters (Foo Fighters)
Beverly Hills - Rivers Cuomo, songwriter (Weezer)
City Of Blinding Lights - U2, songwriters (U2)
Devils & Dust - Bruce Springsteen, songwriter (Bruce Springsteen)
Speed Of Sound - Guy Berryman, Jon Buckland, Will Champion & Chris Martin, songwriters (Coldplay)
Best Alternative Music Album
Funeral - The Arcade Fire
Guero - Beck
Plans - Death Cab For Cutie
You Could Have It So Much Better - Franz Ferdinand
Get Behind Me Satan - The White Stripes
For a full list of nominees, go to grammy.com. While it's loaded with mostly crap, there are some bright spots. Gorillaz were nominated in some high-profile categories, which is pretty cool.
online form.
Pitchfork Media announced the shortlist for the new Pantheon Pantheon Music Prize. Apparently, the Shortlist Music Prize, which was bestowed upon Damien Rice and TV on the Radio in recent years, is now defunct. One of hte guys behind that award has initiated this new one -- drama! It sounds identical; a list of big-name entertainers, including Elijah Wood, Shirley Manson, Ben Gibbard, Beck and a couple of actors from the "O.C." (???) are charged with awarding the prize for the best band you won't hear on the radio.
Go to Pitchfork Media for the full list, but here's a peek:
Arcade Fire - Funeral
Björk - Medulla
Brazilian Girls - Brazilian Girls
Bright Eyes - I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning
Broken Social Scene - Broken Social Scene
Death Cab for Cutie - Plans
The Decemberists - Picaresque
Devendra Banhart - Nino Rojo
Elliott Smith - From a Basement on the Hill
The Faint - Wet From Birth
Fiona Apple - Extraordinary Machine
John Vanderslice - Pixel Revolt
Le Tigre - This Island
Maria Taylor - 11:11
Nada Surf - The Weight Is a Gift
Rilo Kiley - More Adventurous
Scissor Sisters - Scissor Sisters
Sleater-Kinney - The Woods
Spoon - Gimme Fiction
Stars - Set Yourself on Fire
Sufjan Stevens - Illinois
Wolf Parade - Apologies to the Queen Mary
The 10 finalists will be announced soon, and the winner will be known on Feb. 6, two days before the Grammys. That's interesting, because if you heard about the nominations today, you know that they suck. Anyone who could think that the Stuck in the Closet songs are even art, much less good, doesn't deserve to be awarding any kind of national recognition.
Here's one of the better categories:
Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal
Speed Of Sound - Coldplay
Best Of You - Foo Fighters
Do You Want To - Franz Ferdinand
All These Things That I've Done - The Killers
Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own - U2
Nine inch Nails' "The Hand That Feeds" earned a nomination in the Best Hard Rock Performance category.
Best Rock Song (A Songwriter(s) Award)
Best Of You - Foo Fighters, songwriters (Foo Fighters)
Beverly Hills - Rivers Cuomo, songwriter (Weezer)
City Of Blinding Lights - U2, songwriters (U2)
Devils & Dust - Bruce Springsteen, songwriter (Bruce Springsteen)
Speed Of Sound - Guy Berryman, Jon Buckland, Will Champion & Chris Martin, songwriters (Coldplay)
Best Alternative Music Album
Funeral - The Arcade Fire
Guero - Beck
Plans - Death Cab For Cutie
You Could Have It So Much Better - Franz Ferdinand
Get Behind Me Satan - The White Stripes
For a full list of nominees, go to grammy.com. While it's loaded with mostly crap, there are some bright spots. Gorillaz were nominated in some high-profile categories, which is pretty cool.
12.07.2005
deck the halls with auditory delight
It is the Christmas season, so in the spirit of giving, I give you the following links …
According to saddlecreek.com, Peta2.com is giving away a few copies of the Spend an Evening with Saddle Creek DVD. Members of The Faint autographed one, and Cursive signed the other. Here’s the link: peta2.com.
USA TODAY published an article today about how to get heard when you’re a musician. It includes this quote: "Technology has changed things all the way through the chain," says Kelli Richards, a digital music pioneer who co-wrote The Art of Digital Music. "You can, in a garage, create (recorded) music that 10 years ago would've cost $100,000, and you can instantly reach a global audience."
It really is amazing. Yesterday, iTunes introduced NBC shows to its offerings, and it included snippets from Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien. Right now, there are no live performances, but wouldn’t that be incredible? I would love to have Conor’s “When the President Talks to God” performance so I can watch it and think back to the day I sat right on the front row, breathing the same air as Mr. Oberst in his cowboy hat.
The article also mentioned GarageBand.com, a site that any unsigned musician can post his or her music to. Listeners are asked to rate songs.
Pitchfork Media announced today that The Postal Service is finally releasing a new song ... sort of. They are joining The Cure, Snow Patrol and Duran Duran on an album of John Lennon covers to benefit Amnesty International. Read the story here. The songs will be available to purchase on the Web at amnesty.org/noise. Check out the graphic -- remember the Rock For Choice logo? Looks kind of familiar, eh?
Said the Gramophone, an awesome mp3 blog, is posting the author’s top songs of the year – and you can download mp3s of the whole darn batch – The Strokes, Imogen Heap, Broken Social Scene, Sufjan Stevens, Wolf Parade, Stars, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and many others.
This one’s for you, Christy, and everyone who loves The Smiths and tattoos! We Like Morrissey Tattoos
Between Thought and Expression, another cool mp3 site, offers up a mashup of The Arcade Fire’s “Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)” and that hideous “My Humps” song from Black Eyed Peas, which come together to create “Hump My Tunnel,” of course. Don’t even get me started “My Humps” – that song is insipid. By the way, I had to get measured for a tuxedo today, and my chest is an inch larger than my pant measurement. Is that possible? The voice in my head screams, “Time to go back to the gym!!”
Iron & Wine and Calexico played the 9:30 Club in D.C., recently, and NPR being the essence of cool that it is, posted the show on its Web site. So Much Silence, another kickin’ mp3 blog, posted the downloadable files. Get them while you can – they won’t be up there for long!
The new White Stripes’ cover of Tegan & Sara’s “Walking With the Ghost” is now available on iTunes. Are those the right lyrics?
By the way, anyone see Rent or Walk the Line yet? Christy and I saw them on the same day – two films that are entirely different and yet both feature drug addiction as a central plot theme and the kind of music I can’t get out of my head. I literally cannot stop singing along to my Broadway soundtrack on Rent in the car. It was weird to watch it and know what their next words would be. I really enjoyed it. Walk the Line is going to be the one to beat at the Oscars. Reese and Joaquin both deserve Academy Awards for their performances. Incredible! And I had no idea that June Carter Cash wrote "Ring of Fire."
December 24. 9 p.m. Eastern standard time. From here on in, I shoot without a script; see what comes of it.
According to saddlecreek.com, Peta2.com is giving away a few copies of the Spend an Evening with Saddle Creek DVD. Members of The Faint autographed one, and Cursive signed the other. Here’s the link: peta2.com.
USA TODAY published an article today about how to get heard when you’re a musician. It includes this quote: "Technology has changed things all the way through the chain," says Kelli Richards, a digital music pioneer who co-wrote The Art of Digital Music. "You can, in a garage, create (recorded) music that 10 years ago would've cost $100,000, and you can instantly reach a global audience."
It really is amazing. Yesterday, iTunes introduced NBC shows to its offerings, and it included snippets from Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien. Right now, there are no live performances, but wouldn’t that be incredible? I would love to have Conor’s “When the President Talks to God” performance so I can watch it and think back to the day I sat right on the front row, breathing the same air as Mr. Oberst in his cowboy hat.
The article also mentioned GarageBand.com, a site that any unsigned musician can post his or her music to. Listeners are asked to rate songs.
Pitchfork Media announced today that The Postal Service is finally releasing a new song ... sort of. They are joining The Cure, Snow Patrol and Duran Duran on an album of John Lennon covers to benefit Amnesty International. Read the story here. The songs will be available to purchase on the Web at amnesty.org/noise. Check out the graphic -- remember the Rock For Choice logo? Looks kind of familiar, eh?
Said the Gramophone, an awesome mp3 blog, is posting the author’s top songs of the year – and you can download mp3s of the whole darn batch – The Strokes, Imogen Heap, Broken Social Scene, Sufjan Stevens, Wolf Parade, Stars, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and many others.
This one’s for you, Christy, and everyone who loves The Smiths and tattoos! We Like Morrissey Tattoos
Between Thought and Expression, another cool mp3 site, offers up a mashup of The Arcade Fire’s “Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)” and that hideous “My Humps” song from Black Eyed Peas, which come together to create “Hump My Tunnel,” of course. Don’t even get me started “My Humps” – that song is insipid. By the way, I had to get measured for a tuxedo today, and my chest is an inch larger than my pant measurement. Is that possible? The voice in my head screams, “Time to go back to the gym!!”
Iron & Wine and Calexico played the 9:30 Club in D.C., recently, and NPR being the essence of cool that it is, posted the show on its Web site. So Much Silence, another kickin’ mp3 blog, posted the downloadable files. Get them while you can – they won’t be up there for long!
The new White Stripes’ cover of Tegan & Sara’s “Walking With the Ghost” is now available on iTunes. Are those the right lyrics?
By the way, anyone see Rent or Walk the Line yet? Christy and I saw them on the same day – two films that are entirely different and yet both feature drug addiction as a central plot theme and the kind of music I can’t get out of my head. I literally cannot stop singing along to my Broadway soundtrack on Rent in the car. It was weird to watch it and know what their next words would be. I really enjoyed it. Walk the Line is going to be the one to beat at the Oscars. Reese and Joaquin both deserve Academy Awards for their performances. Incredible! And I had no idea that June Carter Cash wrote "Ring of Fire."
December 24. 9 p.m. Eastern standard time. From here on in, I shoot without a script; see what comes of it.
12.04.2005
bounce out loud
On Thursday, Dec. 1, Brad and I went downtown to see The Rosebuds and the Shout Out Louds at the Social. It was an awesome show with lots of energy, cool Swedish accents and the only guitar tech I’ve ever seen wear an argyle sweater – and he was sauce!
The Rosebuds opened the show. The lead singer looked a bit like a cleaned-up Stephen Malkmus with one of those cool golf caps. The drummer – who said he also plays with Portastatic – looked a bit like Larkin’s funny sidekick brother on “Invasion,” and the blonde woman on the keyboards was a real sweetie – I talked to her after the show. I asked her to sign my CD cover, and she opened it up and wrote a paragraph.
I’m a little biased about this band because in my younger years, I donned a vest and plastic bearclaws as a member of the Beaver tribe. I was a YMCA Indian Princess, and my dad’s “Indian name” was Great White Stork. I still remember sitting on the armrest in the front seat of my parents’ blue station wagon, trying to come up with my Indian Princess name. My dad said, “What about Rosebud?” I was hooked.
My time in the father-daughter group was extremely fun, and I never had to sell chocolate mint cookies. But, I’ll save it for another post.
All that to say, I was intrigued the first time I heard about this band. I heard some of their music on a listening station at Park Avenue CDs, and it was good, but I never bought the CD. I really enjoyed the show, though, and the CD’s great.
Next up – the Shout Out Louds. Let me say first that I was surprised that the place wasn’t more crowded. The Social filled up as the night went on, but it didn’t seem close to selling out. I’ve been going there so often lately, I recognize some of the other patrons. One of the guys from GayNotGay.com works there – I knew he looked familiar!
So, while there may not have been packing them in, the Shout Out Louds certainly attract a boisterous, eclectic audience. There seemed to be all ages and socio-economic groups represented. Three Italian (or Greek?) guys in expensive suits were standing near us for a while, and there was a group of twentysomethings who looked fresh off the booze cruise in Santa Monica. They were hot Cali guys with surfer tans and that slightly curly tousled hair. But, they also were the guys at the show who you just wish would pass out. They sang along to every lyric and bounced to every beat, bumping in to people and keeping everyone around them on guard so they don’t get elbowed in the breasts. That always seems to happen to me at shows. It’s worse when smoking is allowed. Them cigarettes are hot!
The band rocked. The Shout Out Louds are from Sweden, which is apparently the home of lumberjacks and 80s-rolled pants. Remember how you used to roll your jeans in middle school? You would pull the excess “pant” over to the side and roll the hem up so that your ankles barely getting enough blood to keep going. That’s how the guys wore their pants, and the lead singer had suspenders, too. He resembled Jason Schwartzman with a dark dense beard.
That’s about the time I noticed the bitch. There was this one woman at the show, who I will always remember, and who I contemplated not even mentioning here – because I didn’t want to be rude. Then, after the show, I went to the bathroom, and she was blocking the entranceway, talking to another girl. She didn’t even acknowledge my existence or apologize for not moving out of the way, and when she walked out, she let the door slam in my face. I thought, it’s on. Forget decency; this girl is going down!
This supermodel, and I’ll call her Heather for obvious reasons, was the type of girl who would have fit in more at Tabu than at The Social. She was wearing tight jeans and a sheer black shirt that revealed this unattainable body – big boobs and a slender waist. She was hot, and she knew it. When she raised her glass to the band to sing along – see betamike’s disdain for such an act – it was not a beer bottle, it was a glass of whiskey sour or maybe rum and coke with a dash of vanilla.
I couldn’t tell if she was already drunk when the band started playing, or if she was just an asshole. Heather, who was very tall, and her friend pushed their way to the front, and Heather called an All-American blond boy over to join her, which he did for about 5 minutes. She had a giant rock on her left hand, so I guess he’s the future father of her spoiled kids. That’s when the bouncing started. I don’t know how she did it. I was mesmerized. I couldn’t see her feet, but I would bet a kidney that she was in stilettos. I was convinced she was going to fall on her ass, or she would flash a nipple, because her boobs were flying around, and even the band seemed to notice.
The part that really struck me though, and the reason why I’m devoting so much space to a Heather (and that’s in reference to the film, not to any of the people I know named Heather) is that I felt like I was back in high school, but in a parallel universe. This Homecoming Queen was on my turf. She would jump around, lose her balance and bump into these young indie girls who she just ignored. It was driving me insane. She’d pull herself back in place and whip her Crystal Gayle hair around like she was in a Whitesnake video.
I know I’m an idiot because I let her bother me. But I just kept thinking how bizarre the situation was. I kept thinking that she has her whole life to act superior to others – why is she doing it here? This is our place. This is the place where we enjoy something they don’t understand, they can’t understand. I know how ridiculous it sounds. At the same time, it reminds me of fans being upset that their favorite indie band signs to a major label and is played on the local radio station between Creed and that omnipresent “Two Princes” song. Almost like she’s cheapening the experience for us.
I read an interview with Trent Reznor one time, talking about the success of his song “Closer,” which I’m sure was a required sing-along at every frat party. Trent said that he would be on stage performing, and these frat guys would be singing along to every word, and he thought, hey, wait, this is not for you. You are the ones I was rebelling against, the ones that hated me, that bullied me.
At the same time, it’s all the beauty of music. There’s something for everyone, and no one should be excluded. It brings people together; it is true. Just don’t bring those certain ones too close to me, especially if they’re bouncing around with no regard for anyone else.
The Rosebuds opened the show. The lead singer looked a bit like a cleaned-up Stephen Malkmus with one of those cool golf caps. The drummer – who said he also plays with Portastatic – looked a bit like Larkin’s funny sidekick brother on “Invasion,” and the blonde woman on the keyboards was a real sweetie – I talked to her after the show. I asked her to sign my CD cover, and she opened it up and wrote a paragraph.
I’m a little biased about this band because in my younger years, I donned a vest and plastic bearclaws as a member of the Beaver tribe. I was a YMCA Indian Princess, and my dad’s “Indian name” was Great White Stork. I still remember sitting on the armrest in the front seat of my parents’ blue station wagon, trying to come up with my Indian Princess name. My dad said, “What about Rosebud?” I was hooked.
My time in the father-daughter group was extremely fun, and I never had to sell chocolate mint cookies. But, I’ll save it for another post.
All that to say, I was intrigued the first time I heard about this band. I heard some of their music on a listening station at Park Avenue CDs, and it was good, but I never bought the CD. I really enjoyed the show, though, and the CD’s great.
Next up – the Shout Out Louds. Let me say first that I was surprised that the place wasn’t more crowded. The Social filled up as the night went on, but it didn’t seem close to selling out. I’ve been going there so often lately, I recognize some of the other patrons. One of the guys from GayNotGay.com works there – I knew he looked familiar!
So, while there may not have been packing them in, the Shout Out Louds certainly attract a boisterous, eclectic audience. There seemed to be all ages and socio-economic groups represented. Three Italian (or Greek?) guys in expensive suits were standing near us for a while, and there was a group of twentysomethings who looked fresh off the booze cruise in Santa Monica. They were hot Cali guys with surfer tans and that slightly curly tousled hair. But, they also were the guys at the show who you just wish would pass out. They sang along to every lyric and bounced to every beat, bumping in to people and keeping everyone around them on guard so they don’t get elbowed in the breasts. That always seems to happen to me at shows. It’s worse when smoking is allowed. Them cigarettes are hot!
The band rocked. The Shout Out Louds are from Sweden, which is apparently the home of lumberjacks and 80s-rolled pants. Remember how you used to roll your jeans in middle school? You would pull the excess “pant” over to the side and roll the hem up so that your ankles barely getting enough blood to keep going. That’s how the guys wore their pants, and the lead singer had suspenders, too. He resembled Jason Schwartzman with a dark dense beard.
That’s about the time I noticed the bitch. There was this one woman at the show, who I will always remember, and who I contemplated not even mentioning here – because I didn’t want to be rude. Then, after the show, I went to the bathroom, and she was blocking the entranceway, talking to another girl. She didn’t even acknowledge my existence or apologize for not moving out of the way, and when she walked out, she let the door slam in my face. I thought, it’s on. Forget decency; this girl is going down!
This supermodel, and I’ll call her Heather for obvious reasons, was the type of girl who would have fit in more at Tabu than at The Social. She was wearing tight jeans and a sheer black shirt that revealed this unattainable body – big boobs and a slender waist. She was hot, and she knew it. When she raised her glass to the band to sing along – see betamike’s disdain for such an act – it was not a beer bottle, it was a glass of whiskey sour or maybe rum and coke with a dash of vanilla.
I couldn’t tell if she was already drunk when the band started playing, or if she was just an asshole. Heather, who was very tall, and her friend pushed their way to the front, and Heather called an All-American blond boy over to join her, which he did for about 5 minutes. She had a giant rock on her left hand, so I guess he’s the future father of her spoiled kids. That’s when the bouncing started. I don’t know how she did it. I was mesmerized. I couldn’t see her feet, but I would bet a kidney that she was in stilettos. I was convinced she was going to fall on her ass, or she would flash a nipple, because her boobs were flying around, and even the band seemed to notice.
The part that really struck me though, and the reason why I’m devoting so much space to a Heather (and that’s in reference to the film, not to any of the people I know named Heather) is that I felt like I was back in high school, but in a parallel universe. This Homecoming Queen was on my turf. She would jump around, lose her balance and bump into these young indie girls who she just ignored. It was driving me insane. She’d pull herself back in place and whip her Crystal Gayle hair around like she was in a Whitesnake video.
I know I’m an idiot because I let her bother me. But I just kept thinking how bizarre the situation was. I kept thinking that she has her whole life to act superior to others – why is she doing it here? This is our place. This is the place where we enjoy something they don’t understand, they can’t understand. I know how ridiculous it sounds. At the same time, it reminds me of fans being upset that their favorite indie band signs to a major label and is played on the local radio station between Creed and that omnipresent “Two Princes” song. Almost like she’s cheapening the experience for us.
I read an interview with Trent Reznor one time, talking about the success of his song “Closer,” which I’m sure was a required sing-along at every frat party. Trent said that he would be on stage performing, and these frat guys would be singing along to every word, and he thought, hey, wait, this is not for you. You are the ones I was rebelling against, the ones that hated me, that bullied me.
At the same time, it’s all the beauty of music. There’s something for everyone, and no one should be excluded. It brings people together; it is true. Just don’t bring those certain ones too close to me, especially if they’re bouncing around with no regard for anyone else.
11.30.2005
holiday gift ideas ...
There’s a chill in the air, as it dips into the frigid 50s in Central Florida tonight!! The classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is on TV right now, and Thor loves it! He’s laying right below the TV watching Rudolph save Christmas.
Ahhhh, Christmas! As stressful as it is, I really do love it. To assist in relieving some of the stress you might be feeling this year, I’m going to let you in on a couple of my own secrets – some of my favorite Web sites for shopping!
There’s a leather wristband made from one of Jeff Buckley’s leather jackets on eBay right now. It’s authentic, and it’s going for $500. OK, maybe this one is a little out of my league, but I can dream!
Check out the skull & crossbones bath towels and fun puppy apparel!
PixelGirlShop.com
I love the train cases at mxyplyzyk! This store is pronounced "mixy-plizik," and you don’t need a six-figure salary to afford all the fun stuff inside!
Sprout Home blends a modern style with an earthy garden-inspired flair. They even sell some cool children’s stuff.
On first look, it’s kind of kitschy, but there’s some fun finds at Fred Flare.
For the fair-trade supporters in your life, check out Global Exchange. There’s coffee, tea, crafts, books and even a sushi-to-go kit!
BuyOlympia.com sells zines, T-shirts, calendars, magazines and beautiful note cards.
And last, and most expensive, there's the MOMA Store.
OK, I can’t give away all my secrets! Stay tuned for more!
Ahhhh, Christmas! As stressful as it is, I really do love it. To assist in relieving some of the stress you might be feeling this year, I’m going to let you in on a couple of my own secrets – some of my favorite Web sites for shopping!
There’s a leather wristband made from one of Jeff Buckley’s leather jackets on eBay right now. It’s authentic, and it’s going for $500. OK, maybe this one is a little out of my league, but I can dream!
Check out the skull & crossbones bath towels and fun puppy apparel!
PixelGirlShop.com
I love the train cases at mxyplyzyk! This store is pronounced "mixy-plizik," and you don’t need a six-figure salary to afford all the fun stuff inside!
Sprout Home blends a modern style with an earthy garden-inspired flair. They even sell some cool children’s stuff.
On first look, it’s kind of kitschy, but there’s some fun finds at Fred Flare.
For the fair-trade supporters in your life, check out Global Exchange. There’s coffee, tea, crafts, books and even a sushi-to-go kit!
BuyOlympia.com sells zines, T-shirts, calendars, magazines and beautiful note cards.
And last, and most expensive, there's the MOMA Store.
OK, I can’t give away all my secrets! Stay tuned for more!
11.27.2005
get well soon, betamike!
I hope you're feeling better, Michael! Just in case, for your listening pleasure, here's a little something that will make you smile.
Meet the Golden Girls!
11.26.2005
I wake up exhausted
Twins rock! Perhaps it’s the 10 years they’ve spent performing together, I’m not sure, but these girls have such a fun stage presence. They tell odd stories, have incredibly unique voices and can play a real kick-ass version of Springsteen’s “Dancin’ in the Dark.”
Tegan & Sara played The Social last night and put on an awesome show. The night started with Vivek Shraya, who had his skull cap pulled so low past his eyebrows, we had to stare at his nostrils whenever he wanted to look at the audience. If you had walked in, you would have thought the India version of Enrique Iglesias was performing. He had a nice voice, though it seemed a wee bit whiny. The cap was a bummer because his hair -- at least on his Web site -- seems to defy gravity. We missed out.
Next up was Rachael Cantu. I really liked her singer-songwriter vibe, but damn the kids were chatty that night, so sometimes it was hard to really hear her lyrics. She seemed to fit in better with the crowd – not that you have to be female to open for Tegan & Sara, but it just felt better. I really love seeing women perform; I’m not sure how, but I truly feel this sense of strength and –- I hate to use the word, but I think I have to. -– sisterhood just being there.
Tegan & Sara are gorgeous. Gorgeous skin, gorgeous hair, gorgeous voices and self-confidence that is gorgeous. They were light, funny and so approachable. They sounded great –- they both have unusual angelic voices that you could recognize anywhere. The other band members stayed mostly in the background, but I stared longingly at the drummer for a good portion of the night -- he looked a little like Jeff Buckley. *exhale*
It was a late show, and we got there even before the doors opened. Betamike was ill, and he had to miss the show, which broke my heart. Christy and I met Mike’s friend James Gash in line outside, and Brad and his sister, visiting from Illinois, met us inside. Christy and I met James at the Bright Eyes / The Faint show at Hard Rock Live earlier this year. He’s a Bjork-loving manager at DAK who laughed at our silliness all night. We had so much fun! (I can't wait to see the recorder on Christy's blog!!!) But Betamike, if you’re reading this, it seriously was not the same without you.
At the conclusion of the first set, Tegan, Sara and the rest of the band quietly walked over to the far left side of the stage, still completely in view, while everyone cheered for an encore. Just another example of how they never tried to be cool – they were just two Canadian women performing their hearts out because they love it. The show closed with my favorite song – “You Wouldn’t Like Me.”
Mark my words; by next year, your kid sister will be wearing a Tegan & Sara T-shirt. The awesome “Where Does the Good Go” appears on the “Grey’s Anatomy” soundtrack. I have a feeling it will end up on the next volume of that “Now That’s What I Call Music” monstrosity. Probably right after “Soul Meets Body” from Death Cab for Cutie. Those mainstream music listeners won’t know what hit them!
Don't have this in your CD collection? Go now. Buy it, you must.
Christy dropped me off at about 1:30 a.m., and we both kind of dreaded getting up just a few hours later for my highly anticipated hair appointment with Jodi. Tonight, sitting here with pin-straight hair, I can tell you it was allllllll worth it! I never brag about myself, but I have to tell you, I love my hair! Christy talked me into getting more than just highlights – getting something that would really look different. And I did. J
My hair is layered and short in the back, and it gets longer toward the front, has great highlights, and I have bangs!!! Strangely, I think Christy and I now have the same haircut. I can’t wait to see what happens tomorrow when I let it go curly! Simple pleasures, right?!?
Tegan & Sara played The Social last night and put on an awesome show. The night started with Vivek Shraya, who had his skull cap pulled so low past his eyebrows, we had to stare at his nostrils whenever he wanted to look at the audience. If you had walked in, you would have thought the India version of Enrique Iglesias was performing. He had a nice voice, though it seemed a wee bit whiny. The cap was a bummer because his hair -- at least on his Web site -- seems to defy gravity. We missed out.
Next up was Rachael Cantu. I really liked her singer-songwriter vibe, but damn the kids were chatty that night, so sometimes it was hard to really hear her lyrics. She seemed to fit in better with the crowd – not that you have to be female to open for Tegan & Sara, but it just felt better. I really love seeing women perform; I’m not sure how, but I truly feel this sense of strength and –- I hate to use the word, but I think I have to. -– sisterhood just being there.
Tegan & Sara are gorgeous. Gorgeous skin, gorgeous hair, gorgeous voices and self-confidence that is gorgeous. They were light, funny and so approachable. They sounded great –- they both have unusual angelic voices that you could recognize anywhere. The other band members stayed mostly in the background, but I stared longingly at the drummer for a good portion of the night -- he looked a little like Jeff Buckley. *exhale*
It was a late show, and we got there even before the doors opened. Betamike was ill, and he had to miss the show, which broke my heart. Christy and I met Mike’s friend James Gash in line outside, and Brad and his sister, visiting from Illinois, met us inside. Christy and I met James at the Bright Eyes / The Faint show at Hard Rock Live earlier this year. He’s a Bjork-loving manager at DAK who laughed at our silliness all night. We had so much fun! (I can't wait to see the recorder on Christy's blog!!!) But Betamike, if you’re reading this, it seriously was not the same without you.
At the conclusion of the first set, Tegan, Sara and the rest of the band quietly walked over to the far left side of the stage, still completely in view, while everyone cheered for an encore. Just another example of how they never tried to be cool – they were just two Canadian women performing their hearts out because they love it. The show closed with my favorite song – “You Wouldn’t Like Me.”
Mark my words; by next year, your kid sister will be wearing a Tegan & Sara T-shirt. The awesome “Where Does the Good Go” appears on the “Grey’s Anatomy” soundtrack. I have a feeling it will end up on the next volume of that “Now That’s What I Call Music” monstrosity. Probably right after “Soul Meets Body” from Death Cab for Cutie. Those mainstream music listeners won’t know what hit them!
Christy dropped me off at about 1:30 a.m., and we both kind of dreaded getting up just a few hours later for my highly anticipated hair appointment with Jodi. Tonight, sitting here with pin-straight hair, I can tell you it was allllllll worth it! I never brag about myself, but I have to tell you, I love my hair! Christy talked me into getting more than just highlights – getting something that would really look different. And I did. J
My hair is layered and short in the back, and it gets longer toward the front, has great highlights, and I have bangs!!! Strangely, I think Christy and I now have the same haircut. I can’t wait to see what happens tomorrow when I let it go curly! Simple pleasures, right?!?
11.24.2005
happy thanksgiving!
There are so many things I'm thankful for this year. But I don't want to get all mushy about how much I love my friends, family and my coveted spot in v-hat. It's so much more fun to be silly and cynical.
This story is just stupid. I was a PR major; I understand media stunts are important in raising awareness, but come on. I think someone on Disney's publicity team has had a little too much stuffing already this season.
Apparently, following the traditional presidential pardon, the "Happiest Turkey on Earth" headed west to "The Happiest Place on Earth!" This story is wrong on so many levels. The president has nothing better to do than "pardon" a turkey from being slaughtered for the dinner table? In the meantime, we've got these kids in Iraq and Afghanistan who don't seem to be getting quite the same fanfare. It's really sad and twisted if you think about it.
And then, the turkey joined National Turkey Federation Chairman Pete Rothfork -- what exactly does he do to earn that title??? -- on United Airlines Flight 197 from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles. According to the official press release, "the famous fowl flew first-class 2,288 miles nonstop to the West coast for a special Thanksgiving Day honor."
As if being saved some certain death wasn't enough to digest in one day, the turkey then served as the grand marshal of Disneyland's Thanksgiving Day Parade. And here's another head-scratcher:
"United is honored to assist the National Thanksgiving Turkey in fulfilling the dream of all domestic turkeys—to be able to fly," said Jeff Foland, United vice president, North America Sales. "It makes perfect sense the National Thanksgiving Turkey would relish the chance to fly United first class to Disneyland after being pardoned and we're proud to assist in making him the 'happiest turkey in the air'."
You really can't read that and not laugh and be disgusted at the same time. To make up for it, here's a Thanksgiving greeting that will make you say for the first time in your life, "Check out the ass on that turkey." Thanksgiving Greeting.
This story is just stupid. I was a PR major; I understand media stunts are important in raising awareness, but come on. I think someone on Disney's publicity team has had a little too much stuffing already this season.
Apparently, following the traditional presidential pardon, the "Happiest Turkey on Earth" headed west to "The Happiest Place on Earth!" This story is wrong on so many levels. The president has nothing better to do than "pardon" a turkey from being slaughtered for the dinner table? In the meantime, we've got these kids in Iraq and Afghanistan who don't seem to be getting quite the same fanfare. It's really sad and twisted if you think about it.
And then, the turkey joined National Turkey Federation Chairman Pete Rothfork -- what exactly does he do to earn that title??? -- on United Airlines Flight 197 from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles. According to the official press release, "the famous fowl flew first-class 2,288 miles nonstop to the West coast for a special Thanksgiving Day honor."
As if being saved some certain death wasn't enough to digest in one day, the turkey then served as the grand marshal of Disneyland's Thanksgiving Day Parade. And here's another head-scratcher:
"United is honored to assist the National Thanksgiving Turkey in fulfilling the dream of all domestic turkeys—to be able to fly," said Jeff Foland, United vice president, North America Sales. "It makes perfect sense the National Thanksgiving Turkey would relish the chance to fly United first class to Disneyland after being pardoned and we're proud to assist in making him the 'happiest turkey in the air'."
You really can't read that and not laugh and be disgusted at the same time. To make up for it, here's a Thanksgiving greeting that will make you say for the first time in your life, "Check out the ass on that turkey." Thanksgiving Greeting.
11.21.2005
vote or ... don't
Vote for your favorite indie acts at the PLUG: Independent Music Awards. A world away from the Grammys, which is more interested in radio airplay than actual talent, PLUG offers up nominees like Sufjan Stevens, Of Montreal, Sleater Kinney, Spoon, Broken Social Scene, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and some guy named Conor Oberst.
Show the terrorists they haven't won. Exercise your right to vote in categories such as "Music Festival of the Year" (Hello, is there even a need for this one? COACHELLA!!) and "Label of the Year" -- I voted for Saddle Creek, big shocker, right? Go to plugawards.com/general_vote.php.
Isn't democracy addictive? It's fun and exciting to have opinions. And I need yours again. I am past due for a haircut, and with my newfound courage in trying new stuff with my hair, I think I'm ready for a new change. Or maybe it's that I think a new haircut will help me change how I've been feeling about myself lately. Stupid, but human, I guess.
So anyway, enough of that. What do you think?
11.20.2005
metric, montreal and mayhem on a train
It has been a long ass week – I worked a ridiculous number of hours, and so I didn’t have much time for blogging. So, now I have to wrap up all my crazy stream of consciousness into one entry.
Metric played the Social on Thursday. It will go down as one of the best shows in Orlando all year, trust me. The Lovely Feathers opened, and from the moment they stepped on stage, I got a seriously goofy grin across my face that never left. The lead singer, who reminded me of a young Anthony Rapp, walked on stage in an orange cape. Yes, really. The bassist also sings and wears sweat pants that show off a little too much, if you know what I mean.
These kids from Montreal were incredible, and the crowd loved every minute of it. This was the opening band, and when they announced their final song, the crowd booed because they wanted more. Someone even screamed out, “Come back soon.”
I can’t really describe them, you just gotta listen. I bought their EP after the show, and it’s all I’m going to have until their new CD is released in April of next year.
Death from a Party was next. The lead singer frolicked around the stage like Mick Jagger, though he looked more like a slightly flamboyant Jarvis Cocker. The music was good and the band was fun to watch, but after The Lovely Feathers, the bar had been raised.
I can’t be sure because I still haven’t changed the batteries in my watch, but I think it was almost midnight before Metric came on. The show was sold out and there was a kind of electricity in the audience – you could just sense the anticipation. When Emily Haines stepped on stage, the crowd went crazy. And it was immediately obvious why. She looks fragile, but don’t be fooled; the girl kicks ass. She’s a waifish Debbie Harry with a knack for running in place with her knees up so high, you can see her black undies. She head banged and didn’t miss a keyboard stroke, she dove into the audience and crowd surfed, she set the tone for a show that far surpassed anything I would have imagined.
You can check out Metric (also from Montreal) at ilovemetric.com. They would be a perfect fit on the Coachella bill next year! Even better alongside The Lovely Feathers.
OK, random thought -- is "Montreal" Canadian for "hot indie music"? The Arcade Fire, Metric, The Lovely Feathers, STARS, Wolf Parade, et cetera, et cetera.
On Saturday, Brad and I returned to the Social for The Rebirth Brass Band from New Orleans. Laissez les bon temps rouler!! The place was full of N’awlins lovers! Nine guys took the stage with three trumpets, three saxophones, two drummers and one big ass tuba. As soon as they blew the first brass note, the butts started wiggling. The show raised money for New Orleans Musicians displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
It was so much fun – people were smiling, dancing and singing along. One of the guys asked if there was anyone in the crowd from New Orleans, and I shouted out with more than a dozen others.
“No way all you guys are all from New Orleans,” the guy said. “Let me see your American Red Cross cards. I need to see some FEMA numbers.” Sure enough, one woman went up with her card. I guess the rest of us were just nostalgic transplants. One woman even had a small black lacy umbrella like the ones Tom Benson used to boogie with after the Saints won in the Superdome.
The club kept the doors open throughout the show, which was great because I was sweating so bad I thought I be menopausal. The bad thing was that the band could not stop watching the people walk by outside. As Brad said, were we not enough?
Still, the essence of the Crescent City was alive and well on Orange Avenue that night. It all just felt good. There’s something about that music – it’s almost like you grow up and it’s a part of you that you never question or wonder when you first heard it because you grew up that way. It’s like eating seafood. I never thought it was gross to rip open the dead carcass of a crawfish and peel it open and eat its insides. I just knew it tasted good and it was fun because our whole family was enjoying it together.
You could see it on other people’s faces, too. There was no worry about losing your indie cred by looking uncool – everyone just let it all hang out.
As we left the Social, Brad and I got into huge traffic -- foot, train and automobile. The streets were overflowing with scantily clad football fans intown for the Florida Classic. It felt like the French Quarter on a Bayou Classic Weekend. There was a train completely stopped and blocking all traffic on the east side of I-4. As we sat in the car waiting for the choo-choo to start choo-chooing again, we noticed all these kids climbing onto the train between railway cars to cross the tracks. I was horrified. If the train would have started moving, they could have been thrown off and knocked under the train. A cop was standing 15 yards away, saw what was happening and didn't say a word until kids started to cross the tracks right in front of him. Those five were stopped, but the 30 crossing far enough away from him to have to actually move -- he didn't seem to care.
Next up, Tegan & Sara!
Metric played the Social on Thursday. It will go down as one of the best shows in Orlando all year, trust me. The Lovely Feathers opened, and from the moment they stepped on stage, I got a seriously goofy grin across my face that never left. The lead singer, who reminded me of a young Anthony Rapp, walked on stage in an orange cape. Yes, really. The bassist also sings and wears sweat pants that show off a little too much, if you know what I mean.
These kids from Montreal were incredible, and the crowd loved every minute of it. This was the opening band, and when they announced their final song, the crowd booed because they wanted more. Someone even screamed out, “Come back soon.”
I can’t really describe them, you just gotta listen. I bought their EP after the show, and it’s all I’m going to have until their new CD is released in April of next year.
Death from a Party was next. The lead singer frolicked around the stage like Mick Jagger, though he looked more like a slightly flamboyant Jarvis Cocker. The music was good and the band was fun to watch, but after The Lovely Feathers, the bar had been raised.
I can’t be sure because I still haven’t changed the batteries in my watch, but I think it was almost midnight before Metric came on. The show was sold out and there was a kind of electricity in the audience – you could just sense the anticipation. When Emily Haines stepped on stage, the crowd went crazy. And it was immediately obvious why. She looks fragile, but don’t be fooled; the girl kicks ass. She’s a waifish Debbie Harry with a knack for running in place with her knees up so high, you can see her black undies. She head banged and didn’t miss a keyboard stroke, she dove into the audience and crowd surfed, she set the tone for a show that far surpassed anything I would have imagined.
You can check out Metric (also from Montreal) at ilovemetric.com. They would be a perfect fit on the Coachella bill next year! Even better alongside The Lovely Feathers.
OK, random thought -- is "Montreal" Canadian for "hot indie music"? The Arcade Fire, Metric, The Lovely Feathers, STARS, Wolf Parade, et cetera, et cetera.
On Saturday, Brad and I returned to the Social for The Rebirth Brass Band from New Orleans. Laissez les bon temps rouler!! The place was full of N’awlins lovers! Nine guys took the stage with three trumpets, three saxophones, two drummers and one big ass tuba. As soon as they blew the first brass note, the butts started wiggling. The show raised money for New Orleans Musicians displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
It was so much fun – people were smiling, dancing and singing along. One of the guys asked if there was anyone in the crowd from New Orleans, and I shouted out with more than a dozen others.
“No way all you guys are all from New Orleans,” the guy said. “Let me see your American Red Cross cards. I need to see some FEMA numbers.” Sure enough, one woman went up with her card. I guess the rest of us were just nostalgic transplants. One woman even had a small black lacy umbrella like the ones Tom Benson used to boogie with after the Saints won in the Superdome.
The club kept the doors open throughout the show, which was great because I was sweating so bad I thought I be menopausal. The bad thing was that the band could not stop watching the people walk by outside. As Brad said, were we not enough?
Still, the essence of the Crescent City was alive and well on Orange Avenue that night. It all just felt good. There’s something about that music – it’s almost like you grow up and it’s a part of you that you never question or wonder when you first heard it because you grew up that way. It’s like eating seafood. I never thought it was gross to rip open the dead carcass of a crawfish and peel it open and eat its insides. I just knew it tasted good and it was fun because our whole family was enjoying it together.
You could see it on other people’s faces, too. There was no worry about losing your indie cred by looking uncool – everyone just let it all hang out.
As we left the Social, Brad and I got into huge traffic -- foot, train and automobile. The streets were overflowing with scantily clad football fans intown for the Florida Classic. It felt like the French Quarter on a Bayou Classic Weekend. There was a train completely stopped and blocking all traffic on the east side of I-4. As we sat in the car waiting for the choo-choo to start choo-chooing again, we noticed all these kids climbing onto the train between railway cars to cross the tracks. I was horrified. If the train would have started moving, they could have been thrown off and knocked under the train. A cop was standing 15 yards away, saw what was happening and didn't say a word until kids started to cross the tracks right in front of him. Those five were stopped, but the 30 crossing far enough away from him to have to actually move -- he didn't seem to care.
Next up, Tegan & Sara!
11.17.2005
11.11.2005
let's open pandora's jukebox
Technology, or perhaps more accurately, the convenient accessibility of high-tech programs and gadgets never ceases to amaze me. It seems like it's happening more and more. I mean, how did I live without an iPod? How did I live without the iPod Photo? How long can I possibly go on before I get a video iPod???
Today, I ask myself, how did I ever learn about new bands? Well, actually, that's easy, because people ask me that somewhat regularly. I read. I read magazines, I read online blogs, I read interviews with artists, I read liner notes in CD packaging, and -- whatever, I know, this is nothing new, right? Everyone who calls herself a music lover does this. But what about everyone else? Some guys are making it very easy for them with the introduction of Pandora: The Music Genome Project.
I signed up for a free account, was somewhat impressed by the smooth, speedy transitions of the screen, and then I typed in Jeff Buckley. Pandora then takes mere seconds to create a "radio station" with music from Jeff Buckley and other performers who "she" thinks I may enjoy. Pandora chooses Jeff Healy's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" because "it features mild rhythmic syncopation, a dynamic male vocalist and many other similarities identified in the music genome project." Hmmmm. It's really choosing songs based on factors like beats per minute and use of a cowbell?
I press skip. Then, Pandora switches to Sebadoh -- a favorite of mine. Apparently, Sebadoh emerges to the top of the playlist because "it features electric rock instrumentation, a vocal-centric aesthetic, mild rhythmic syncopation (I must like that.), major key tonality and electric rhythm guitars. Oh la la!
Seriously though, I gotta tell you. I'm impressed. She also brings up Sunny Day Real Estate, Morrissey, Dinosaur Jr and Jimmy Page & Robert Plant-- Led Zeppelin was one of Jeff Buckley's favorites.
The guy behind the curtains at The Music Genome Project is founder Tim Westergren. According to his press release, he and his friends spent the last five years capturing "the essence of music at the most fundamental level. We ended up assembling literally hundreds of musical attributes or "genes" into a very large Music Genome. Taken together these genes capture the unique and magical musical identity of a song - everything from melody, harmony and rhythm, to instrumentation, orchestration, arrangement, lyrics, and of course the rich world of singing and vocal harmony. It's not about what a band looks like, or what genre they supposedly belong to, or about who buys their records - it's about what each individual song sounds like."
So, I try something different. I type in a song name: "Twilight." Pandora asks me to choose which "Twilight" song I'm thinking about -- is it a song by Josh Rouse? Squirrel Nut Zippers? The Twilight Singers (mmmm, Greg Dulli, pause for moment to drool)? The Raveonettes? U2? I click on Elliott Smith.
Pandora can't play Elliott's "Twilight" because of some licensing issues, but it does turn up a different Elliott song. Next up: Matt Pond PA, Son Ambulance and The Great Lake Swimmers (who I had never heard of).
I type in "Desaparecidos," hoping for some intelligent, punk, rock, emo-with-an-edge tunes, and Pandora gives me Archers of Loaf. (I think I'm in love. I had the good fortune to see them at the Sapphire Supper Club before they broke up, and before the venue became The Social. Good memories.) Then comes The Fall, Damien Jurado, The Psychedelic Furs and John Waite. Very interesting.
I can't wait to see what's going to pop up when I type in Har Mar Superstar!!! Technology kicks ass!
Today, I ask myself, how did I ever learn about new bands? Well, actually, that's easy, because people ask me that somewhat regularly. I read. I read magazines, I read online blogs, I read interviews with artists, I read liner notes in CD packaging, and -- whatever, I know, this is nothing new, right? Everyone who calls herself a music lover does this. But what about everyone else? Some guys are making it very easy for them with the introduction of Pandora: The Music Genome Project.
I signed up for a free account, was somewhat impressed by the smooth, speedy transitions of the screen, and then I typed in Jeff Buckley. Pandora then takes mere seconds to create a "radio station" with music from Jeff Buckley and other performers who "she" thinks I may enjoy. Pandora chooses Jeff Healy's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" because "it features mild rhythmic syncopation, a dynamic male vocalist and many other similarities identified in the music genome project." Hmmmm. It's really choosing songs based on factors like beats per minute and use of a cowbell?
I press skip. Then, Pandora switches to Sebadoh -- a favorite of mine. Apparently, Sebadoh emerges to the top of the playlist because "it features electric rock instrumentation, a vocal-centric aesthetic, mild rhythmic syncopation (I must like that.), major key tonality and electric rhythm guitars. Oh la la!
Seriously though, I gotta tell you. I'm impressed. She also brings up Sunny Day Real Estate, Morrissey, Dinosaur Jr and Jimmy Page & Robert Plant-- Led Zeppelin was one of Jeff Buckley's favorites.
The guy behind the curtains at The Music Genome Project is founder Tim Westergren. According to his press release, he and his friends spent the last five years capturing "the essence of music at the most fundamental level. We ended up assembling literally hundreds of musical attributes or "genes" into a very large Music Genome. Taken together these genes capture the unique and magical musical identity of a song - everything from melody, harmony and rhythm, to instrumentation, orchestration, arrangement, lyrics, and of course the rich world of singing and vocal harmony. It's not about what a band looks like, or what genre they supposedly belong to, or about who buys their records - it's about what each individual song sounds like."
So, I try something different. I type in a song name: "Twilight." Pandora asks me to choose which "Twilight" song I'm thinking about -- is it a song by Josh Rouse? Squirrel Nut Zippers? The Twilight Singers (mmmm, Greg Dulli, pause for moment to drool)? The Raveonettes? U2? I click on Elliott Smith.
Pandora can't play Elliott's "Twilight" because of some licensing issues, but it does turn up a different Elliott song. Next up: Matt Pond PA, Son Ambulance and The Great Lake Swimmers (who I had never heard of).
I type in "Desaparecidos," hoping for some intelligent, punk, rock, emo-with-an-edge tunes, and Pandora gives me Archers of Loaf. (I think I'm in love. I had the good fortune to see them at the Sapphire Supper Club before they broke up, and before the venue became The Social. Good memories.) Then comes The Fall, Damien Jurado, The Psychedelic Furs and John Waite. Very interesting.
I can't wait to see what's going to pop up when I type in Har Mar Superstar!!! Technology kicks ass!
11.09.2005
"guys, where are we?"
I find this fricking hysterical! I was just browsing through the We Are Scientists Web site, and I came across a photo of the band's recent Anti-Pop Music Festival show at The Social. Even if you know me, you will have a hard time finding me in this photo. I searched for a while with my forehead all wrinkled, my eyes squinting and my neck all stretched out. Then, I saw Brad, then I saw me, and then I busted out laughing. Good luck finding us.
The show was great. Onstage, lead singer Keith Murray strikingly resembles Conor Oberst -- except that he smiles and laughs more often. In fact, the guys were really funny, cracking jokes and making themselves right at home. Afte rthe show, they worked their own merch booth, so we got to talk to them. They were very appreciative and very down to earth. Of course, within minutes, there was a small mob of teen-age girls surrounding Keith and giggling approvingly whenever he spoke. Check them out at wearescientists.com.
In other news, the first new episode of "Lost" in about a month will have me mesmerized in about an hour. They are hyping the hell out of the news that a major character is going to die in tonight's episode. If you want some insider information and don't want to shell out the big bucks for the DVD of season one, check out the new podcast.
ABC announced yesterday: "Each week throughout the November sweeps, various Lost cast members, along with informative conversations between creator/executive producer Damon Lindelof and executive producer Carlton Cuse, will tease the week's upcoming episode, as well as answer fan questions." You can download the podcasts at lost.abc.com or in the iTunes Music Store.
11.08.2005
Wal-Mart gets the indie treatment
The Downtown Media Arts Center will show WAL-MART: The High Cost of Low Price at 3 and 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 13.
Here's the write-up on this indie documentary:
"Ever wondered why Wal-Mart spends so much money trying to convince you it cares about your family, your community, and even its own employees? WAL-MART: The High Cost of Low Price takes you behind the glitz and into the real lives of workers and their families, business owners and their communities, in an extraordinary journey that promises to challenge the way you think, feel... and shop."
There are only two showings of this film -- so get your butt down there on Sunday. My Saturday is reserved for the House of Blues Folk Art Festival and the Festival of the Masters at the Downtown Disney area! I look forward to it every year.
11.07.2005
girls kick Abercrombie's ass
I love the feeling of empowerment. The feeling that you really can make a difference is intoxicating. Today, I am so proud of my girls in Pennsylvania -- a small group of 13 to 16-year olds took on a corporate giant, and they won!
Abercrombie & Fitch has never been accused of having a conscience. Today, they bowed to the pressure and pulled some of their most offensive T-shirts. Good work, girls! It's days like this that make my Fallopian tubes want to sing.
I am not sure what jackass, sitting around the conference room table early one morning, came up with the idea to bring back sexism in the form of cheaply made T-shirts. As he was nursing his hangover from the strip club the night before, Mr. Frat Daddy has an idea. "Let's capitalize on the same adolescent insecurity that got me and my friends laid when we were in high school!!! We'll make it cool to be a dick again!"
It is so disgusting. I saw a rather average-looking guy walking somewhere the other day with a T-shirt that read "You'll do." I was so tempted to ask the girl walking next to him if it was really OK for him to degreade her that way. And what did his mom say when he came home with his hip new tee? Was she upset? Did Dad tell her to relax as he gave him a high five? "It's just a T-shirt, and boys will be boys."
No. It's not OK. And these young girls didn't think it was OK either. And they did something about it. Just imagine what we could do if we all believed we were capable of that kind of change. Bonus points for coming up with "Girlcott" -- I love it!
Emma Blackman-Mathis, a junior at Schenley High School and co-chair of Allegheny County Girls as Grantmakers also appeared on the "Today Show" with her rainbow necklace on. The times are still a-changin', thank God!!
Abercrombie & Fitch has never been accused of having a conscience. Today, they bowed to the pressure and pulled some of their most offensive T-shirts. Good work, girls! It's days like this that make my Fallopian tubes want to sing.
I am not sure what jackass, sitting around the conference room table early one morning, came up with the idea to bring back sexism in the form of cheaply made T-shirts. As he was nursing his hangover from the strip club the night before, Mr. Frat Daddy has an idea. "Let's capitalize on the same adolescent insecurity that got me and my friends laid when we were in high school!!! We'll make it cool to be a dick again!"
It is so disgusting. I saw a rather average-looking guy walking somewhere the other day with a T-shirt that read "You'll do." I was so tempted to ask the girl walking next to him if it was really OK for him to degreade her that way. And what did his mom say when he came home with his hip new tee? Was she upset? Did Dad tell her to relax as he gave him a high five? "It's just a T-shirt, and boys will be boys."
No. It's not OK. And these young girls didn't think it was OK either. And they did something about it. Just imagine what we could do if we all believed we were capable of that kind of change. Bonus points for coming up with "Girlcott" -- I love it!
11.04.2005
the windmills are turning in my mind
Hmmmm, I am going to make a guess here. The "reunited" act of Coachella 2006 will be .......
The Stone Roses.
Apparently, some guy in Schizo Fun Addict claimed to a reporter that his band has been confirmed as the opening band for The Stone Roses' reunion tour early next year. This all sounds very familiar to me. Did Mike Britton already call this??
Belle & Sebastian just announced a tour of the UK, so I'm going to bet that they kick off their American tour at Coachella. Who else? Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Broken Social Scene, We Are Scientists, Portastatic, Sleater-Kinney (please God, please God, please God) and a whole big bunch of other kick ass bands.
There are less than six months to go!!!
The Stone Roses.
Apparently, some guy in Schizo Fun Addict claimed to a reporter that his band has been confirmed as the opening band for The Stone Roses' reunion tour early next year. This all sounds very familiar to me. Did Mike Britton already call this??
Belle & Sebastian just announced a tour of the UK, so I'm going to bet that they kick off their American tour at Coachella. Who else? Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Broken Social Scene, We Are Scientists, Portastatic, Sleater-Kinney (please God, please God, please God) and a whole big bunch of other kick ass bands.
There are less than six months to go!!!
11.03.2005
the downward spiral
I've been in love with Trent Reznor for more than a decade. At times it's full-out lusty obsession, and other times, it's a Holden Caulfield-type of love where I just want to save him. Lately, it has been more respect ... and a little lust, too, of course. I mean, yee!, have you seen him lately?
Mike Britton and I drove down to Tampa in his Crossfire to see Nine Inch Nails perform, and I purchased our tickets through the spiral -- the NIN fan club. Call me a geek, but our seats rocked! AND, we sat with other spiral people so no one was there just because they had nothing better to do or because they were looking for a place to vomit. (I'll get to that in a second.) They were real fans, and all of us even entered the building through a "VIP" entrance. So kick ass!
A few nights later, after Hurricane Wilma had passed us and cooled the city off significantly, Trent and his amazing band pulled in to the TD Waterhouse Crapper, and Mike, Brad, betamike and I had seats we barely used because we were on our feet the whole time.
What's the opposite of intimate? It's the O-rena. It's a nice arena -- especially for basketball and hockey, but for a concert, it feels very cold. I mean, where were the drapes??? Still, Trent does have a way of heating things up - and the show was incredible. His cinematic masterpieces played during "Eraser" and "Right Where It Belongs" were stunning, especially when you could see him behind the curtains -- it didn't even feel real because it was so perfect and beautiful. Well, except for the now-and-then waves of the disgusting scent of vomit and vo-ban. Why would you get so plastered before a concert that you actually get sick in the stands??
Ahhh! And I can't forget to mention how in awe I was both nights with the artist formerly known as Twiggy Ramirez. I love the way he plays bass. He's so fun to watch, and he's so sexy; I can't believe Jeordie White is the same person as Twiggy.
Trent, as you may know, lived in the beautiful Garden District of New Orleans for several years in a gorgeous house with lots of history. It was right around the corner from Anne Rice's house and not far from the streetcar line on St. Charles Avenue.
Because of his love for N'awlins,Trent has been very vocal and supportive in the relief effort after Hurricane Katrina. He appeared on the React Now benefit and has published articles on his Web site about the tragedy. I visited nin.com today, and Trent has taken it one step further. He has posted lots of photos taken around New Orleans. They are just heartbreaking, but I think they're also required viewing.
Trent also posted the message below. *exhale* It's a classic example of how I feel about this man. I love him in a way that I cannot love people I know. I realize this sounds odd and pre-pubescent, but it reminds me of the heart-wrenching crushes I used to get in school. There's a certain, very specific pain you get when you fall for someone from afar and you don't really know anything about the person except whatever it is that's attracting you. These men and women have no faults, and they are so high up there on the pedestal, that they are completely unreachable. Unable to knock them down, you just start knocking yourself down for being unworthy of a relationship that in reality is really unattainable. Because even if you wind up meeting this person and developing a relationship, that man or woman will never ever be able to live up to the dream you've created and spent so much time crafting all the perfect John Hughes moments you're going to spend together.
Where was I? In 1988, I think. Anyway, back to Trent. Here's the very emotional letter he published on his Web site. The man just "gets it." And I love him for that.
[10_29_2005]
What a couple of days...
We arrived in New Orleans Friday morning. A friend of mine at the mayor's office arranged for us to see the lower ninth ward that afternoon. I can't begin to express what I saw there. Utter, complete, incomprehensible devastation. Rob will soon be posting some photos, but you truly can not get a sense of how bad this is until you see it.
These people have lost everything. A large portion of the city is simply GONE. I realized I had been assuming things were getting "back to normal" here, but it will be a very long time before that happens - if ever.
200,000 people have been displaced, 7,000 are still unaccounted for. The mainstream media has begun to move on as the story takes a back seat to Bush's latest string of failures, but these people and this city need - and will continue to need - a lot of help. One of the reasons I felt it was important to attempt to have Voodoo IN New Orleans was to keep the spotlight on the city. To let people on the outside know this tragedy involves far more than turning the power back on.
I'm writing this riding on the bus to Memphis. The show in New Orleans went really well. Having Saul play with us was really great - I totally respect him as an artist and a person. The weather was perfect and the spirits of everyone involved were high. It was so nice to see so many faces from my past... and everyone really seemed to appreciate having something to take their minds off of what they're going through.
I spent some time with Mayor Ray Nagin and I'm very impressed with that man. Throughout the storm and consequences that followed, he struck me as one of the few people who wasn't bullshitting us and genuinely trying everything he could to remedy the situation. Today, he's providing determined leadership that's confident the city can be rebuilt - the right way.
I'm fading out now. Lots of emotions. I don't want to leave.
Here are Trent's photos. You can see many more at nin.com/current/neworleans/index.html
Mike Britton and I drove down to Tampa in his Crossfire to see Nine Inch Nails perform, and I purchased our tickets through the spiral -- the NIN fan club. Call me a geek, but our seats rocked! AND, we sat with other spiral people so no one was there just because they had nothing better to do or because they were looking for a place to vomit. (I'll get to that in a second.) They were real fans, and all of us even entered the building through a "VIP" entrance. So kick ass!
A few nights later, after Hurricane Wilma had passed us and cooled the city off significantly, Trent and his amazing band pulled in to the TD Waterhouse Crapper, and Mike, Brad, betamike and I had seats we barely used because we were on our feet the whole time.
What's the opposite of intimate? It's the O-rena. It's a nice arena -- especially for basketball and hockey, but for a concert, it feels very cold. I mean, where were the drapes??? Still, Trent does have a way of heating things up - and the show was incredible. His cinematic masterpieces played during "Eraser" and "Right Where It Belongs" were stunning, especially when you could see him behind the curtains -- it didn't even feel real because it was so perfect and beautiful. Well, except for the now-and-then waves of the disgusting scent of vomit and vo-ban. Why would you get so plastered before a concert that you actually get sick in the stands??
Ahhh! And I can't forget to mention how in awe I was both nights with the artist formerly known as Twiggy Ramirez. I love the way he plays bass. He's so fun to watch, and he's so sexy; I can't believe Jeordie White is the same person as Twiggy.
Trent, as you may know, lived in the beautiful Garden District of New Orleans for several years in a gorgeous house with lots of history. It was right around the corner from Anne Rice's house and not far from the streetcar line on St. Charles Avenue.
Because of his love for N'awlins,Trent has been very vocal and supportive in the relief effort after Hurricane Katrina. He appeared on the React Now benefit and has published articles on his Web site about the tragedy. I visited nin.com today, and Trent has taken it one step further. He has posted lots of photos taken around New Orleans. They are just heartbreaking, but I think they're also required viewing.
Trent also posted the message below. *exhale* It's a classic example of how I feel about this man. I love him in a way that I cannot love people I know. I realize this sounds odd and pre-pubescent, but it reminds me of the heart-wrenching crushes I used to get in school. There's a certain, very specific pain you get when you fall for someone from afar and you don't really know anything about the person except whatever it is that's attracting you. These men and women have no faults, and they are so high up there on the pedestal, that they are completely unreachable. Unable to knock them down, you just start knocking yourself down for being unworthy of a relationship that in reality is really unattainable. Because even if you wind up meeting this person and developing a relationship, that man or woman will never ever be able to live up to the dream you've created and spent so much time crafting all the perfect John Hughes moments you're going to spend together.
Where was I? In 1988, I think. Anyway, back to Trent. Here's the very emotional letter he published on his Web site. The man just "gets it." And I love him for that.
[10_29_2005]
What a couple of days...
We arrived in New Orleans Friday morning. A friend of mine at the mayor's office arranged for us to see the lower ninth ward that afternoon. I can't begin to express what I saw there. Utter, complete, incomprehensible devastation. Rob will soon be posting some photos, but you truly can not get a sense of how bad this is until you see it.
These people have lost everything. A large portion of the city is simply GONE. I realized I had been assuming things were getting "back to normal" here, but it will be a very long time before that happens - if ever.
200,000 people have been displaced, 7,000 are still unaccounted for. The mainstream media has begun to move on as the story takes a back seat to Bush's latest string of failures, but these people and this city need - and will continue to need - a lot of help. One of the reasons I felt it was important to attempt to have Voodoo IN New Orleans was to keep the spotlight on the city. To let people on the outside know this tragedy involves far more than turning the power back on.
I'm writing this riding on the bus to Memphis. The show in New Orleans went really well. Having Saul play with us was really great - I totally respect him as an artist and a person. The weather was perfect and the spirits of everyone involved were high. It was so nice to see so many faces from my past... and everyone really seemed to appreciate having something to take their minds off of what they're going through.
I spent some time with Mayor Ray Nagin and I'm very impressed with that man. Throughout the storm and consequences that followed, he struck me as one of the few people who wasn't bullshitting us and genuinely trying everything he could to remedy the situation. Today, he's providing determined leadership that's confident the city can be rebuilt - the right way.
I'm fading out now. Lots of emotions. I don't want to leave.
Here are Trent's photos. You can see many more at nin.com/current/neworleans/index.html
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