One of Kateg's favorite label, Polyvinyl, is offering a free 16-track album at polyvinylrecords.com/mentalmath. The sampler includes a ton of bands we've previously covered: Architecture In Helsinki, Mates of State, Asobi Seksu, Headlights - just to name a few.
Incidentally, one of those band, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin are on tour:
- 12/02/09 Outland* Springfield, MO
12/06/09 Binghamton University Vestal, NY
12/07/09 Bell House Brooklyn, NY
12/08/09 Summit Columbus, OH
12/09/09 Bishop Bloomington, IN
12/12/09 Outland Ballroom Springfield, MO
01/13/10 Maxine’s Pub Hot Springs, AK
01/23/10 Gallery Sounds Collective Springfield, MO
01/28/10 Schubas EARLY ALL AGES SHOW Chicago, IL
01/29/10 Courtyard Cafe Champaign, IL
01/30/10 Mojo’s Columbia, MO
01/31/10 Jackpot Lawrence, KS
* SSLYBY 10th Anniversary show with Brian Azevedo and Lamentia
I got a download sample and press release for this band's latest "double a-side single" for Simple Pleasures/Like Dat. Generally, I am not accepting singles, remixes, or demos, but since I did enjoy their previous single for "Your Music is Killing Me" and "You've Got To" (especially the Norman Cook aka Fatboy Slim remix), I did give these two new songs a listen.
What can I say ? I really dig the old-school punk intro, followed by this weird 80s pop singing, then some rasta-thing. Not really sure what to classify the whole thing, except that it's quite dancey. As for "Like Dat", I wasn't keen on this as much. Perhaps it's the rap song is such a stark contrast to the other song... but that's probably why people like Young Punx.
Currently, I think you can only get Simple Pleasures/Like Dat on iTunes. If you want to wait, I think these two songs are going to be available on their upcoming album, Mashpop & Punkstep, due out in 2010.
Anyway, since this is the "free" post, you can head over to their official website under theyoungpunx.com/../mp3, you'll find a ton of free mixes and oddities. My favorite are any remix of "Juice and Gin".
Also, some random thoughts: I survived Black Friday. I have never seen so many people out in force at 5am. The parking lot at Wal-Mart was completely full, thankfully we got news alert from other shoppers that we went to Wal-Mart at the last stop. Deals were everywhere, it was the worst at Target (which also reflected people flocking to there). One of the item I bought was the Matrix 10th Anniversary Bluray, which comes in a nice book-format, for $12.99. It's normally $29.99 suggested retail price. My impulse buy was S.T.A.L.K.E.R. PC game for $5.... it couldn't be helped.
I spent most of my vacation catching up on reading and TV shows. TV shows comes in the form of Hulu and Netflix - via the Netflix Instant Streaming disc for PS3. Compared to Xbox's "Gold Membership" which costs $50 a year, PS3's free streaming is a much better deal.
The Netflix streaming is dependent on your internet connection, I have a semi-decent connection at 5 megabit, so the video starts instantly (less than 30 seconds). Compare this to Playstation's own HD digital rental services, you have to wait at least 30 minutes to start the video, while it download the rest of the file. It's probably fast if you just drove to the video store and rent your movie.
Quality-wise, again depending on the connection, was pretty amazing for me. According to 1up.com, the streaming is in HD (however, I think some titles are only available in standard definition).
My gripe is that most of Netflix's titles are only available on DVD, the digital portion is probably less than 1% of their titles (it is only a guess since their selection is so poor). Also, there's no searching via the streaming disc. You can browse the recently added in various genres, but older titles, you will have to search and add to your "instant queue". Kind of lame, I hope they fix this problem in future updates.
If you don't have a PS3, most newer television and bluray player will come with instant Netflix, so this company is quite smart in getting their hands on all devices. Think about it, if you bought a Bluray player with Netflix, you will probably sign up for an account. Anyway, if you have a PS3 and a Netflix account already, you can request the free Bluray disc for yourself at netflix.com/ps3.
12/01/2009 00:16:50 ♥ vu (
) ♥weheartmusic.com♥twitter.com/weheartmusic♥news.weheartmusic.com
I love this damned movie. From the
stylized animation to the writing and the personalized way Wes Anderson
put his signature on every frame. If you like animation, Wes Anderson,
or unique films, seeing this is a must!
I can't stop sharing how much I enjoyed watching it. I was also so pleasantly surprised! Being in the animation industry I am always critical of things like that. I'm not saying I'm the end all be all of animation, but I'd like to think I know what I'm doing/saying!
This is a film that everyone can enjoy. It can also be said it is this years Iron Giant. I feel traditonal animation will always be around. Maybe not as prevalent as it used to be, but it is an art form that everyone will always appreciate and enjoy.
To go back to the film, the way that Anderson made this film to not be strictly "by the book" but something Dahl would completely agree he did it justice. The props, maquettes, the writing, the pacing, the colors, the effort, the 4+ years was just all there on screen. Mind you this is not a blockbuster, but a classic for years to come.
In the New York Magazine they feature the Fox family front and center. The article covers a short interview with Anderson and the work that went into making the film. Such an endeavor will always get noticed. For example each maquette has levers/pedals inside the face to create close up expressions, and highly detailed armature that is composed of Allen joints, pipes, silicone, stockings, goat fur and much much more. You can understand the love and care that went into each figure. I would have loved to work on this film personally. -sigh-
Someday I am determined to have my own animation company and I hope to produce at least one stop-motion/animated feature. I don't see it happening anytime soon, but it will happen mind you! XD
Back to Fantastic Mr Fox! I also picked up the The Making of Fantastic Mr. Fox: A Film by Wes Anderson Based on the Book by Roald Dahl. This is a great book to have. It has every little thing you would be interested in knowing about the film. It has interviews, details of how each character was made, the process of working with Anderson overseas, storyboards, sketches, notes, illustrations, concept art, etc etc etc. If you are looking for a gift to give someone who loves animation, is artsy, or would like to get into the whole world of animation I would purchase this book for them. The best deals can be found online for future reference. hehe.
Anywho, I'm hoping my friend Ceci bothers me to see this film so I have an excuse to see it for the third time.
SUPPORT GREAT FILMS!
XOXO
I can't stop sharing how much I enjoyed watching it. I was also so pleasantly surprised! Being in the animation industry I am always critical of things like that. I'm not saying I'm the end all be all of animation, but I'd like to think I know what I'm doing/saying!
This is a film that everyone can enjoy. It can also be said it is this years Iron Giant. I feel traditonal animation will always be around. Maybe not as prevalent as it used to be, but it is an art form that everyone will always appreciate and enjoy.
To go back to the film, the way that Anderson made this film to not be strictly "by the book" but something Dahl would completely agree he did it justice. The props, maquettes, the writing, the pacing, the colors, the effort, the 4+ years was just all there on screen. Mind you this is not a blockbuster, but a classic for years to come.
In the New York Magazine they feature the Fox family front and center. The article covers a short interview with Anderson and the work that went into making the film. Such an endeavor will always get noticed. For example each maquette has levers/pedals inside the face to create close up expressions, and highly detailed armature that is composed of Allen joints, pipes, silicone, stockings, goat fur and much much more. You can understand the love and care that went into each figure. I would have loved to work on this film personally. -sigh-
Someday I am determined to have my own animation company and I hope to produce at least one stop-motion/animated feature. I don't see it happening anytime soon, but it will happen mind you! XD
Back to Fantastic Mr Fox! I also picked up the The Making of Fantastic Mr. Fox: A Film by Wes Anderson Based on the Book by Roald Dahl. This is a great book to have. It has every little thing you would be interested in knowing about the film. It has interviews, details of how each character was made, the process of working with Anderson overseas, storyboards, sketches, notes, illustrations, concept art, etc etc etc. If you are looking for a gift to give someone who loves animation, is artsy, or would like to get into the whole world of animation I would purchase this book for them. The best deals can be found online for future reference. hehe.
Anywho, I'm hoping my friend Ceci bothers me to see this film so I have an excuse to see it for the third time.
SUPPORT GREAT FILMS!
XOXO
|
The King Khan & BBQ Show ♥ Triple
Tour Dates
Rock Social Club, Minneapolis (11/29/09)
12/01/09 Mad Planet Milwalkee, WI
Read More
12/02/09 Logan Sq Auditorium Chicago, IL 12/03/09 Northside Tavern Cinncinati, OH 12/04/09 Lees Palace Toronto, ON 12/05/09 Babylon Ottawa, ON |
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Fans lining up outside ♥ The Triple Rock Social Club, Minneapolis (11/29/09) |
So, if you need to catch up on The King Khan & BBQ Show (myspace), they are an interesting modern band with minimalistic setup and plays a weird mixture of 50s doo-wop and Surf music. They've got a ton of fans, who lined up hours before the show.
I got the story between King Khan's on stage antics and Jessi Darlin that prior to showing up in Minneapolis, that they were delayed and detained at the Canadian border (I think they had spent the last few weeks touring throughout Canada). This resulted in two things: "Unnamed peed in his pants" and last night's show to be slightly delayed (the doors weren't opened to the public until 9:30pm).
Some notable details about the stage costumes: BBQ uses his foot to tap the tambourine and Khan has a fox's head over his crotch. They dedicated "I'll Be Loving You" to "all the Orientals in the audience", which probably only account to myself.
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Nikki Darlin ♥ The Triple Rock Social Club, Minneapolis (11/29/09) |
They started off dirty with "Fun Stix Party" with naughty lyrics like "I'll bring the p****, you bring the d***", followed by "Wild One". They also played fan-favorites like "DUI or Die" and "The Whole Damn Thing" (aka the Chicken Song).
Their cover song, "Shakin' All Over", was their last song on the set... which actually went pretty crazy. See the last half of the song in the video.
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Jessi Darlin ♥ The Triple Rock Social Club, Minneapolis (11/29/09) |
PS, Those Darlins' only male member, drummer Linwood Regensburg tried talking me out of buying their "Gay" V-Neck T-Shirt. He said that he made those V-Necks because someone had suggested it. Apparently they weren't very successful as they only sold a few of those shirts. So, as of this writing, I am one of the six people in the world that owns that V-Neck Darlins shirt.
11/30/2009 04:20:18 ♥ vu ()
♥ thosedarlins.com ♥ myspace.com/darlins ♥ twitter.com/those_darlins
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Subscribe to our show at gcast.com (RSS), more information at podcast.weheartmusic.com.
BRITPOPCAST #5: Q MAGAZINE'S BRITPOP QUIZ
Recorded in the same session as Britpop Top Ten Countdown (which I still consider the best show ever), this super hard quiz was written by some hardcore journalist at Q Magazine, published in a paperback book called Q Quiz Book.
The book is free, along with Q Greatest Rock & Pop Miscellany Book, as bonuses for an annual subscription. I got the book via one of their magazine off the stand.
Some questions are dubious, as far as Britpop is concern, like The Verve question... but overall one of the better quiz out there.
The later part of the show, we talk a bit about The Abercrombie Hotel closing down, Pavement, and Empire of the Sun.
Also, don't forget to see DJ Sal in Sydney at britpop.com.au.
Below are the questions and answers.
BRITPOPCAST #5: Q MAGAZINE'S BRITPOP QUIZ
Some questions are dubious, as far as Britpop is concern, like The Verve question... but overall one of the better quiz out there.
The later part of the show, we talk a bit about The Abercrombie Hotel closing down, Pavement, and Empire of the Sun.
Also, don't forget to see DJ Sal in Sydney at britpop.com.au.
Below are the questions and answers.
| Question | Answer | Points | ||||||
| 01 From which London suburb did The Bluetones hail? | Hounslow | 0 | ||||||
| 02 What was the Boo Radley's debut album called? | Ichabod and I (1990) | 0 | ||||||
| 03 What was the name of Elastica's long-delayed second album? | The Menace (2000) | 1 | ||||||
| 04 What was Pulp's original name? | Abacus Pulp | 1.5 | ||||||
| 05 What was the name of the band fronted by Danny Goffrey's wife Pearl? | Powder | 1 | ||||||
| 06 What was the name of Sleeper's first Top 10 single? | "Sale of the Century" | 0.5 | ||||||
| 07 Who replaced Bernard Butler on Suede? | Richard Oakes | 1.5 | ||||||
| 08 What were Blur originally known as? | Seymour | 1 | ||||||
| 09 Which Ocean Colour Scene song was the theme music on Chris Evans's TV show TFI Friday? | "The Riverboat Song" | 1 | ||||||
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10 Which Britpop supergroup featured both Blur's Alex James and | Me Me Me | 1.5 | ||||||
| 11 How many Brit Awards did the Verve take home in 1998? | 3 | 0 | ||||||
| 12 In which year was Pulp's first Peel Session? | 1981 | 1 | ||||||
| 13 What was the name of Echobelly's singer? | Sonya Madan | 0 | ||||||
| 14 Which Britpop frontman had his shoes stolen by muggers in 1997? | Rick Witter | 0 | ||||||
| 15 Which member of John Power's band Cast also performed with Shack? | Peter Wilkinson | 0 | ||||||
| 16 One of the follow was not a member of Kula Shaker. Which one?
a) Alonza Bevan b) Jay Darlington c) Steve Peck d) Paul Winterhart | C | 0 | ||||||
| 17 Who was the singer of the Seahorses, John Squire's post-Stone Roses outfit? | Chris Helme | 0 | ||||||
| 18 Which member of Dodgy went out with Denise Van Outen? | Andy Miller | 0 | ||||||
| 19 In 1995, with Britpop at its zenith, which three acts headlined the Reading Festival? | Smashing Pumpkins, Bjork, and Neil Diamond | 0 | ||||||
| 20 What item of furniture played a prominent role in the video to Supergrass's Alright? | bed | 1 | ||||||
| 21 What was Marion frontman Jaime Harding convicted of stealing in 2000? | a garden gnome | 0 | ||||||
| 22 Which Britpop outfit were the first to appear on Top of the Pops without releasing a record? | Menswe@r | 0 | ||||||
| 23 How many Top 5 UK albums did Space manage? | 2 | 1 | ||||||
| 24 Gene's 1994 debut single For the Dead came in a limited run of how many? | 1994 | 0 | ||||||
| 25 Which former member of Pulp now runs a ceramics shop? | Nick Banks | 1 | ||||||
| Bonus Questions |
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26 The infamous "Battle of Britpop" - name the two singles by Oasis and Blur that went head to head that same week.
Bonus point: Who won in term of most singles sold. | "Roll With It" vs "Country House"; Blur won the battle (but Oasis won the war). | 1.5 | ||||||
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27 Elastica stole the guitar riff of "Connection" from what 70s punk band?
Bonus point: name the song. | Wire; "Three Girl Rhumba" | 0 | ||||||
| 28 Name Blur's bassist Alex James' unusual hobby? | Cheese lover | 1 | ||||||
| 29 Before Kanye's "I'll let you finish" upstage,
which Britpop maverick danced his way on stage during Michael Jackson's
performance of an award show. Bonus point: name the award show. | Jarvis Cocker; The Brit Award | 1.5 | ||||||
| 30 Name the lead singers of (1) Oasis, (2) Blur, (3) Pulp, (4) Suede, (5) Sleeper, and (6) Elastica. | Liam Gallagher, Damon Albarn, Jarvis Cocker, Brett Anderson, Louise Wener, and Justine Frischmann | 3 |
11/29/2009 20:09:50 ♥ vu () ♥weheartmusic.com♥twitter.com/weheartmusic♥news.weheartmusic.com
|
12/01/09 Webster Theatre* Hartford, CT
Discography
12/02/09 House of Blues* Cleveland, OH 12/03/09 Bogart’s* Cincinnati, OH 12/07/09 St Andrews* Detroit, MI 12/08/09 The Armory* Rochester, NY with Matisyahu
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This year Hannukkah is from December 11th to 19th,
which is in about a few short weeks.
I don't really know that much about the Jewish religion, other than
that they get like 10 36 gifts for Hanukkah (edit: see updated message below)! So, to take care of two of
your gifts idea, for the music lover in your life:
KOSHA DILLZ
official ♥ myspace
We've previously mentioned Kosha Dillz before, with his collaboration with C-Rayz Walz. Derek said that previous album had "classic hip-hop that rests firmly on a bed of oldskool beats", so missing from Beverly Dillz, Kosha Dillz's latest album (released November 10th on Modular Moods Records), seems to be the "oldskool beats".
Although the album starts off with a surprisingly hip-hoppy "DooDoo" - the rest of Beverly Dillz seems pretty laid back to me. There are a few exceptions like "Jungle" and "Tastes Good" (the best rap song on the album).
Personally, I thought "Puddles" was one of the better song, it's probably because it had Yak Ballz as guest. The song feels really familiar to me, like its bass is from the 80s or something. Speaking of familiar, you'll get that on his single, "Cellular Phone", which features some classic Dilliefied version of "This Old Man" and "Word Up".
Kosha Dillz was recently in the news because he remixed fellow Jewish artist YACHT (aka Jona Bechtolt) for an EP called Swim Club. You can grab the free 8-track EP at Kosha Dillz's website. I didn't listen to the entire 8 tracks, but I can tell you that I spotted some Beastie Boys, New Jack City, and Hansons references!
PS, While there are a lot of "hhheh" Hebrew sounds in "Kol Ha Kavod Lirkod", I believe all the songs on Beverly Dillz are in English.
MOSHIACH OI!
myspace
With the baby picture and my generally association that Jewish musicians tend to be either traditional or modern hip-hop, Moshiach Oi!'s album, Better Get Ready, surprised me with their hardcore punk music. Like typical punk songs, these songs are fast, loud, and brief - like a punch in the face.
The band's singer and found, Yishai Romanoff, actually sings his songs (instead of shouting out loud that you find on hardcore bands). Unfortunately, as religious as some of the songs can be ("I Wanna Learn Torah", "I Wanna Learn Torah", "This Is My G-d", "Hashem S'fasai Tiftach"), I can't help but think that the message will be lost in a loud sea of drums and guitars. The one exception of "I Love Torah", where you can clearly hear the majority of lyrics are "I love Torah, yeah!"
To me, punk bands do not often translate their live energy and performance well on the recorded medium, so to really appreciate a band like this, you sort of have to see them live. They are playing one date - probably to celebrate Hanukkah at: Chabad of Bushwick Brooklyn, New York, on December 12th.
You can pick up both of these albums from Shem Speed Store (the largest collection of Jewish music).
IN MORE JEWISH NEWS
Jewish singer Girls In Trouble (I previously fell in love with her), has a cute live video of "Hunter/The Bee Lays Her Honey" on youtube,
complete with torn stockings and all. The video was previously featured
on YouTube's Music Spotlight for a few days. If you recall, that was my
song of choice when I reviewed the album, citing it as "my favorite
song" easily.
Also, Matisyahu, Yair Dalal & Deleon, among others, are playing the 5th Annual Sephardic Music Festival from December 12th to 19th, throughout New York City.
For a full listing of events, head over to sephardicmusicfestival.com, what I can tell you is that Matisyahu is headlining on December 14th, which incidentally is also the most expensive ($35) among all the dates. The rest of the dates are decently priced at $12 or so.
KOSHA DILLZ
official ♥ myspace
We've previously mentioned Kosha Dillz before, with his collaboration with C-Rayz Walz. Derek said that previous album had "classic hip-hop that rests firmly on a bed of oldskool beats", so missing from Beverly Dillz, Kosha Dillz's latest album (released November 10th on Modular Moods Records), seems to be the "oldskool beats".
Although the album starts off with a surprisingly hip-hoppy "DooDoo" - the rest of Beverly Dillz seems pretty laid back to me. There are a few exceptions like "Jungle" and "Tastes Good" (the best rap song on the album).
Personally, I thought "Puddles" was one of the better song, it's probably because it had Yak Ballz as guest. The song feels really familiar to me, like its bass is from the 80s or something. Speaking of familiar, you'll get that on his single, "Cellular Phone", which features some classic Dilliefied version of "This Old Man" and "Word Up".
Kosha Dillz was recently in the news because he remixed fellow Jewish artist YACHT (aka Jona Bechtolt) for an EP called Swim Club. You can grab the free 8-track EP at Kosha Dillz's website. I didn't listen to the entire 8 tracks, but I can tell you that I spotted some Beastie Boys, New Jack City, and Hansons references!
PS, While there are a lot of "hhheh" Hebrew sounds in "Kol Ha Kavod Lirkod", I believe all the songs on Beverly Dillz are in English.
MOSHIACH OI!
myspace
With the baby picture and my generally association that Jewish musicians tend to be either traditional or modern hip-hop, Moshiach Oi!'s album, Better Get Ready, surprised me with their hardcore punk music. Like typical punk songs, these songs are fast, loud, and brief - like a punch in the face.
The band's singer and found, Yishai Romanoff, actually sings his songs (instead of shouting out loud that you find on hardcore bands). Unfortunately, as religious as some of the songs can be ("I Wanna Learn Torah", "I Wanna Learn Torah", "This Is My G-d", "Hashem S'fasai Tiftach"), I can't help but think that the message will be lost in a loud sea of drums and guitars. The one exception of "I Love Torah", where you can clearly hear the majority of lyrics are "I love Torah, yeah!"
To me, punk bands do not often translate their live energy and performance well on the recorded medium, so to really appreciate a band like this, you sort of have to see them live. They are playing one date - probably to celebrate Hanukkah at: Chabad of Bushwick Brooklyn, New York, on December 12th.
You can pick up both of these albums from Shem Speed Store (the largest collection of Jewish music).
IN MORE JEWISH NEWS
For a full listing of events, head over to sephardicmusicfestival.com, what I can tell you is that Matisyahu is headlining on December 14th, which incidentally is also the most expensive ($35) among all the dates. The rest of the dates are decently priced at $12 or so.
Update 11/29/2009 17:51:48:
| jaklumen wrote: Sun, Nov 29, 2009 at 4:23 PM |
other than that they get like 10 gifts for Hanukkah
Eight. There are eight days of Hanukkah, and there's a gift for each day, or there's a number of gifts corresponding to the day (1 gift on the first, 2 on the second...) All I remember well was some Jewish friends of my family said they had to alter things so they wouldn't go broke giving gifts to the kids.
The observance is tied to the Maccabean uprising and references the miracle of the menorah remaining lit for eight days despite a lack of oil.
11/29/2009 04:13:56 ♥ vu () ♥weheartmusic.com♥twitter.com/weheartmusic♥news.weheartmusic.com
For GirlsDrawinGirls
Soon to be blogged after I get some sleep.girlsdrawingirls.blogspot.com
All Images are Copyright CJM 2009
All Rights Reserved
www.agreencat.com/copyrights
What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?
This year I am thankful for my wonderful husband who has supported me and my artistic endeavors. He has made me feel appreciated, loved, respected, and most of all helped me believe in myself in whatever I do. I am thankful for my friends who were there for me in times of need. Need it be for someone to talk to, help with projects, or just a time to get together and chat I love that they are there at a moments notice. I am thankful for my cats. They're cute, and always there to comfort me when I think I don't need anyone to comfort me. I am thankful for my parents. They are my rock. They will always be there during the hardest times in my life. Always forgiving and a constant reminder that nothing can compare to family. Lastly, I am thankful for all the people who has shaped my life. Teachers, neighbors, and random people I have lost touch with who from time to time I think about and wonder if they too are having a lovely Thanksgiving day.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
*gobble gobble!*
Winter is coming upon us in San Francisco. That and the holidays. My winters in comparison to my husband sound terribly boring! I do get the saying that California doesn't have seasons. Well, that maybe true but it depends on what part of California you go to. I've also never had a snow day, I've never had weather so bad that I couldn't go anywhere, and I've never had a time where I had to put chains on my tires or throw litter on the ground to get traction. Then again, I've never owned a car.
Winter for me starts when we have to adjust for daylight savings time. I feel it is safe to say, at least for San Franciscans, that's when it starts. Though, some will say winter for them starts when they have to put their coats on. Whichever you prefer the COLD is coming! I do have to add, we do get spurts of warmth on certain times of the year. Also, we do get heavy rains from time to time. Eventually highways and certain areas of the city get flooded, but not to the point where we couldn't get around.
The first time I saw snow was on a trip to Tahoe. I think I was 18. It was the first time I was on skis and the first time I was outside for a long period of time. If anyone knows me, I don't do well outside unless I am forced to. To be honest, all I wanted to do was make a snow man and do all the kid-like things you do on TV for a snow day. That didn't really happen, but I enjoyed myself anyways. The second time I was around snow was with my friend Heather. We went snowboarding with her Mom. Well, her mom mostly drove us up to wherever we went and we practiced, fell, and practiced more. I think I enjoyed snowboarding more than skiing. Most definitely.
This winter we're traveling to Ohio to see Kyle's parents for Christmas. I'm told it will be cold, but not snowing. A little disappointing, but it will be nice to catch up with Kyle's family. We'll do the usual holiday exchange, dinner and family get together. Really simple, and nothing extravagant. If you've been reading my blog, you'll understand how refreshing this is for me. After the holidays we'll be in SF again enjoying the countdown to the New Year and staying warm in our little apartment. or that's the plan. hehe.
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12/06/09 Disney Hall Los Angeles, CA
Read More
12/07/09 Casbah San Diego, CA 12/08/09 Detroit Bar Costa Mesa, CA 12/09/09 Cafe Du Nord SF, CA 12/10/09 Humboldt Brews Arcata, CA 12/11/09 Mississippi Std Portland, OR 12/12/09 Media Club Vancouver, BC 12/13/09 Wild Buffalo Bellingham, WA 12/14/09 Chop Suey Seattle, WA 12/16/09 Brookdale Lodge, CA 12/17/09 Cellar Door Visalia, CA 12/18/09 Bootleg Theater LA, CA |
It seems to me that Harper Simon tries his best to not
be associated with his father, going so far as saying that he didn't
learn how to play music from his dad. Even the way he dresses, the type
of music he's making (note: not acoustic harmonizing folk, but more like alt-country). It's
a shame really, Simon sings just like his dad on the acoustic songs, and I
wish he would sing more folk. I suppose he's got to find his own
calling, right?
Most of the set for Simon was pretty mellow. The
most rockiest song was a song I wasn't familiar with. I thought I heard
that the song was written by "Tom Berlin Verlaine" (edit: see updated message below), but I could be wrong.
Shortly after "Berkeley Girl", the guitar tuner guy came on stage to
switch electric with an acoustic guitar.
Songs range from borderline country music to Dylan-type folk. The later is especially true when one of the band member breaks out the harmonica.
They ended their set with "Wishes and Stars", my favorite song from Harper that I've heard. Instead of doing that fake-leaving-the-stage, they just stayed on stage and played some encores. The last song is a cover of "A Message to You, Rudy", who you & I probably know as a ska song by the Specials (but it's originally by Dandy Livingstone).
So this was the last night of their national tour. It sounds like they've been very tired, some even looked relieved, but they were certainly very happy to be playing in front of an audience. The band admitted that this was one of the better crowds, considering that they've played a few shows to "five people".
Trivia: Touring drummer Russell Simins, best known for being in Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, is from Minnesota.
UPDATED 11/26/2009 19:42:54:
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|
Songs range from borderline country music to Dylan-type folk. The later is especially true when one of the band member breaks out the harmonica.
They ended their set with "Wishes and Stars", my favorite song from Harper that I've heard. Instead of doing that fake-leaving-the-stage, they just stayed on stage and played some encores. The last song is a cover of "A Message to You, Rudy", who you & I probably know as a ska song by the Specials (but it's originally by Dandy Livingstone).
So this was the last night of their national tour. It sounds like they've been very tired, some even looked relieved, but they were certainly very happy to be playing in front of an audience. The band admitted that this was one of the better crowds, considering that they've played a few shows to "five people".
Trivia: Touring drummer Russell Simins, best known for being in Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, is from Minnesota.
UPDATED 11/26/2009 19:42:54:
 | ArtsOrbit wrote: Nov 24, 2009 9:59 PM |
@weheartmusic H. Simon's reference was to Tom Verlaine: the song was Television's "See No Evil." Agreed that H.S. is best with folk music!
11/25/2009 01:12:04 ♥ vu () ♥ myspace.com/harpersimon
The holidays to everyone is different. My holidays I can honestly say has always been some what special. When I think of it, I cringe. I have never experienced a good Christmas till I met my husband. What made the difference? We simply did nothing.
Growing up my sister and I were required to take our yearly photo with a man dressed up as Santa Claus. Which I immediately cried the whole time. I knew it wasn't Jolly Old St. Nick. I don't even think I understood the idea of Santa. If you look back to all our photos, my sister is usually the one smiling and I'm the one that is red, puffy faced, and choking back tears. Why would my mother do this to me? Because well, she loves photos. Or is obsessed with photos to the point that my feelings didn't matter. This was the start of a pattern where I actually fear cameras.
After the photos, we would do our holiday shopping in the mall. Then on Christmas Eve/Day we would go to a hotel to celebrate my parents anniversary. My sister and I would dress up, wear things we usually wouldn't like wearing, and eat adult food. These hotel restaurants never had children sized portions, or food that children would like. My sister and I were always bored and I personally hated being there. I remember just sitting in the restaurant and just stared vacantly out the window or sat in the lobby just staring at water fixtures that bubbled across the room.
On Christmas Day we would open our presents. Now, you may say "Oh presents! There can't be anything wrong with that!" You say that till I explain further. My mom would always ask what we wanted, and she would get it and immediately wrap the presents in front of us. I always knew what I was going to get. There were never surprises. I do admit I don't regret knowing what we got, but it would've been nice to get a surprise gift. This included birthdays and other gift giving events. There weren't many surprises in my life growing up.
Holidays to me will always be "special."
