*While certain band members eat their scallops, I find myself jumping back and forth between musical adventures. However, at the moment none of my musical endeavors are of the creative nature, BUT, I'm putting things in motion to ensure a very exciting musical 2005. For example, in the world of Hypefactor, Michael Doyle, the gifted artistic mastermind behind Chemlab's OXIDIZER artwork has come onboard as the designer for EXIT STRATEGIES. To say I am excited about this would is a MASSIVE understatement. We're in good hands! Besides introducing me to some cool new music, Michael continues to blow my mind with creative goodness at his website www.Burnlab.net. GO. NOW. Big public thanks for that.
*As you know, I'm a big fan of Hong Kong Cinema and while the industry there is not what it once was, there is still some greatness shining from the East. The FRIGHTENINGLY prolific Johnnie To, he of THE MISSION and FULLTIME KILLER fame, is back with this NINTH film in the past two years. It's called THROWDOWN and it's quite simply one of the most uplifiting and beautiful films to come out of Hong Kong EVER. Centered around the world of Judo (a near extinct Japanese Martial Art) in Hong Kong, a washed up Judo fighter (Louis Koo, who I don't think I had ever seen before) finds hope in the friendship of a young lounge singer (the adorable Cherrie Ying) and a drifter/judo upstart (played by pop star Aaron Kwok). Imagine a less spiritual, more realistic film based around the same human themes of his other excellent film RUNNING ON KARMA (reviewed sometime back on this blog) and you will find yourself with tears in your eyes as you watch these characters evolve as the movie progresses. The actors are supurb and if you're not in love with Cherrie Ying after her first scene, you don't have a pulse. My favourite HK film review site www.lovehkfilm.com has an excellent review of the film that pretty much sums up my thoughts on the film. You can read here: http://www.lovehkfilm.com/reviews/throwdown.htm
Johnnie To, without a doubt, is Hong Kong's best, most diverse director and just this year alone has delivered two excellent films with THROWDOWN and BREAKING NEWS. I really don't think there is any kind of movie this guy CAN'T direct. if you're an Akira Kurosawa fan, THROWDOWN will mean that much more to you. One of my favourite films of the year.
HK film has two potential classics on the way in my man JC's NEW POLICE STORY, which is getting awesome reviews for the action (and so so once for the drama) and KUNG FU HUSTLE which could make or break the legacy of Stephen Chow (based on the hilarious trailer alone, I'm leaning to the make part of that).
*U2 return with a new song, VERTIGO, which is kinda shocking to me. At first I didn't love it, but now I find myself going back to it quite a bit. It's a rockier u2 that seems somewhat referential to their much earlier stuff in terms of performance and arrangement. It's very simple and direct and everything a good pop single should be. I expected in a post 9/11 world that u2 would come back and be very heavy handed (and they still might with the full album) but to be in the business as long as they have and to come up with a rock song that sounds fresh is kinda impressive. Lyrically its as throwaway as their ZOOROPA era and musically it's as straight up as their ALL THAT YOU CAN'T LEAVE BEHIND era. Lesson learned kids, less is more IS the way. I believe U2 are quite possibly the most successful band in the history of rock n roll based on the fact that they still continue to pump out fresh and new music on a consistant basis that is both artistically and commercially successful. Despite a more impressive and experimental body of work, the Beatles never made it this far and no one cared about new Stones albums when they were this far into their career. U2 remain relevant, interesting, and in demand. Can this be argued? I mean, really, are you going to see REM in Atlantic City next month? Come on.
*A quick mention about Sanctuary Records new line of anthologies from former Creation Records artists. The most underrated band on the label, HURRICANE #1, have released their two CD anthology, called STEP INTO MY WORLD and it just goes to show you how the world missed out on a great band. The timing was wrong as they were lost in the shadow of Oasis' huge success but let me say I am not shocked that Hurricane's leader, the brilliant Andy Bell (who was also in the groundbreaking band Ride), is a member of Oasis these days. He is a super musician and songwriter and this anthology proves that. It's a great introduction to the band and the second disc is a real treat for the die hards. Excellent Britpop that tried to take the standard guitar rock sound of the time and change iit up a bit with cool production and remixes (the Oakenfold remix of their classic STEP INTO MY WORLD appears here). Great band, wrong time.
And now, back to the PS2 and STAR WARS BATTLEFRONTS!
F
29.9.04
28.9.04
And On The 8th Day, God Created DVR
The Force.net reports: "...in Autumn 2006 there will be a complete live action Star Wars TV series made by Lucasfilm".
And somewhere, Irene sighs. My mom sighs. Matt Gentile sighs. Peter Saintface sighs. And in a first grade classroom somewhere, Eric Richard Sica cheers as wildly as his "much taller" 6 year old cousin Frank Jeffrey DeSanto.
Hopefully said new show will not run up against re-runs of MY SO CALLED LIFE so Matt can watch as well. Maybe he'll come over like he used to.
F
And somewhere, Irene sighs. My mom sighs. Matt Gentile sighs. Peter Saintface sighs. And in a first grade classroom somewhere, Eric Richard Sica cheers as wildly as his "much taller" 6 year old cousin Frank Jeffrey DeSanto.
Hopefully said new show will not run up against re-runs of MY SO CALLED LIFE so Matt can watch as well. Maybe he'll come over like he used to.
F
27.9.04
my so called...emptiness
so sue me for being 10years late with this blog, but did anyone else feel ill with the way the last episode of MSCL ended?!
i only recently got into this show, and MAN did i get into it. but i seriously felt heartbroken and betrayed by the last scene. it just didn't seem right! you could see in angela's eyes that she wanted brian krakow, not that mope jordan catalano! my only assumption is that she gets in the car with jordan catalano only tell him to fuck off, then she runs back to a crying brian krakow, riding his bike in circles in the street. i mean, this is so cyrano de bergerac (think "roxanne" with steve martin).
did the folks at abc know this was the last episode at the time of filming? rickie vasquez officially comes out, rayanne graff (who is the biggest loser ever) admits to being the biggest loser ever, graham chase gets the restaurant (and reverts, almost, to his old ways)...and krakow comes clean with his feelings for angela. it seems they were so rushed to pack all of this good stuff in one episode. it just doesn't feel natural.
i went scoping only to find out two tihngs: 1) the dvd series has out-performed the NYSE in ROI - it sells for minimum of about $125-150 on ebay...amazon has it for 200$. the book, my so-called life goes on is $60, and while many people say it pales compared ot the series (understandably), most will concede that it helps with the mscl fix.
by now it's too late though...and there will be this little hole in my heart for ever...
i only recently got into this show, and MAN did i get into it. but i seriously felt heartbroken and betrayed by the last scene. it just didn't seem right! you could see in angela's eyes that she wanted brian krakow, not that mope jordan catalano! my only assumption is that she gets in the car with jordan catalano only tell him to fuck off, then she runs back to a crying brian krakow, riding his bike in circles in the street. i mean, this is so cyrano de bergerac (think "roxanne" with steve martin).
did the folks at abc know this was the last episode at the time of filming? rickie vasquez officially comes out, rayanne graff (who is the biggest loser ever) admits to being the biggest loser ever, graham chase gets the restaurant (and reverts, almost, to his old ways)...and krakow comes clean with his feelings for angela. it seems they were so rushed to pack all of this good stuff in one episode. it just doesn't feel natural.
i went scoping only to find out two tihngs: 1) the dvd series has out-performed the NYSE in ROI - it sells for minimum of about $125-150 on ebay...amazon has it for 200$. the book, my so-called life goes on is $60, and while many people say it pales compared ot the series (understandably), most will concede that it helps with the mscl fix.
by now it's too late though...and there will be this little hole in my heart for ever...
26.9.04
"Everyone is cool now, there's no distinction...it's an alcholoic themepark!"
Thanks to the efforts of Peter Saintface, last night marked official end of recording of EXIT STRATEGIES. To say I am relieved and excited would be an understatement. I arrived at the studio late because of a birthday dinner with my now 19 year old cousin (who is staying with Irene and I this weekend) and upon my arrival Brandt had already recorded Peter's verses for CLEAN UP. Talk about progress, and the vocals are massive! This was one of the smoothest recording sessions I have ever been a part of. Honestly, there's not much to report. He recorded, was dead on, gave us a ton to work with and then we took some photos and called it a day. Of course our usual post recording discussions ensued. Topics included Peter's run in with the Strokes the night before, movies (and his strong views on Star Wars), and life in New York City. Lots of laughs, especially when Peter gets worked up about things like song titles (he thinks his lyrics for CLEAN UP are better suited to the title EXIST and vice versa), Interpol, and his adventures on the lower east side (which the above quote comes from thanks to Peter).
Consider this my public thank you to Peter for really coming through for us and my formal request to him to sing at least half the next record....PLEASE! (he probably just changed his phone number).
In other news, E-mails and S-mails are being furiously exchanged around the world as my next band project gets off the ground. All will be revealed...eventually. It's not the aggression reunion in Boston or Commack for that matter. Also, I would like to publically apologize to Charles for not being able to make his party yesterday as the recording session and my houseguest cousin kept us from attending. No one wants to meet the mysterious Charles more than Peter Saintface, who has to keep hearing and hearing about his massive bassery nonstop. Been dying to say bassery...
F
Consider this my public thank you to Peter for really coming through for us and my formal request to him to sing at least half the next record....PLEASE! (he probably just changed his phone number).
In other news, E-mails and S-mails are being furiously exchanged around the world as my next band project gets off the ground. All will be revealed...eventually. It's not the aggression reunion in Boston or Commack for that matter. Also, I would like to publically apologize to Charles for not being able to make his party yesterday as the recording session and my houseguest cousin kept us from attending. No one wants to meet the mysterious Charles more than Peter Saintface, who has to keep hearing and hearing about his massive bassery nonstop. Been dying to say bassery...
F
20.9.04
"You're SO LA..."
Or so said Peter Saintface today during out first sessions to record his final vocals for EXIT STRATEGIES. He was referring to my laid pack producer approach which he has since learned is the "only speak when something sucks badly" approach. More often then not, I'm whispering in Brandt's ear when something's not working for me. That way, when I speak, the musicians actually listen. This only works in my own band of course...
Anyway, Peter came in, professional as always, and did a super job. We started the day taking him through the album's tracks to give him a feel of where we are at and discussed the future plans for the band. His comments on the album were very positive, which is very important to me. We briefly touched on the current status of Saintface, who are playing this week, and his plans for the forthcoming album (which is getting crazy play in my house). However, my gut was not to push him too much cause he's in post-album burn out mode (and man, do I know that feeling). After that we put him in the booth and put him to work.
We laid down all of the vocals for EXIST. Of course, he delivered big time again. We have a lot of great material to work with and recording his vocals is like watching a painter add layers of colour to a canvas. He's open to ideas and very collaborative, but honestly, (and this happned on the last record) we had very few suggestions as he really develops his ideas to perfection. Jesus, if I could do every song with this guy, i would. That's my subtle hint of the day...
We wrapped up EXIST and Brandt had to split due to an emergency (or so he says, it could have been a drug run for all I know), and Peter and I started CLEAN UP, which has a wider range than EXIST. Honestly, Peter put so much into EXIST that he was a tad beat up by the time we got to this song AND he has rehearsal tonight, so he asked if we could halt the proceedings and pick up this weekend. Who am I to complain? Waiting a few extra days for a fresh Peter can make a BIG difference for this album. So why not wait?
Oh I've got photographic evidence, which hopefully should be going up on the site eventually.
F
Anyway, Peter came in, professional as always, and did a super job. We started the day taking him through the album's tracks to give him a feel of where we are at and discussed the future plans for the band. His comments on the album were very positive, which is very important to me. We briefly touched on the current status of Saintface, who are playing this week, and his plans for the forthcoming album (which is getting crazy play in my house). However, my gut was not to push him too much cause he's in post-album burn out mode (and man, do I know that feeling). After that we put him in the booth and put him to work.
We laid down all of the vocals for EXIST. Of course, he delivered big time again. We have a lot of great material to work with and recording his vocals is like watching a painter add layers of colour to a canvas. He's open to ideas and very collaborative, but honestly, (and this happned on the last record) we had very few suggestions as he really develops his ideas to perfection. Jesus, if I could do every song with this guy, i would. That's my subtle hint of the day...
We wrapped up EXIST and Brandt had to split due to an emergency (or so he says, it could have been a drug run for all I know), and Peter and I started CLEAN UP, which has a wider range than EXIST. Honestly, Peter put so much into EXIST that he was a tad beat up by the time we got to this song AND he has rehearsal tonight, so he asked if we could halt the proceedings and pick up this weekend. Who am I to complain? Waiting a few extra days for a fresh Peter can make a BIG difference for this album. So why not wait?
Oh I've got photographic evidence, which hopefully should be going up on the site eventually.
F
This is...odd...for me...
and no - it's not a woman (frank!)...
from the afi website:
AFI TO PERFORM AT MTV ICON 2004
Band to join Blink 182 at unique live tribute event to The Cure
London 15 September 2004: AFI, the MTV2 Award winners from the MTV Video Music Awards 2003 are the latest acts to be confirmed to perform at MTV Icon, an exclusive live tribute event featuring The Cure, to be filmed from London’s Old Billingsgate Market on 17 September 2004, it was announced today.
The enigmatic rockers will join multi-platinum pop-punk legends Blink 182 at the live spectacular which will feature performances and testimonials from artists and celebrities who have been influenced by The Cure, their videos and their music. In an explosive finale, 25-year rock veterans The Cure, will take the stage for a show-stopping live set.
AFI's evolution into one of the most passionately worshipped and dynamic live bands on the planet is belied by its humble origins in the mid 90s as a primitive teen punk band. Since the late 90s, the current AFI line-up of Davey Havok (vocals), Jade Puget (guitar), Hunter (bass) and Adam Carson (drums) has forged a unique blend of unbridled aggression and introspective melancholy that has earned them platinum sales in the US and the admiration of critics and fans worldwide.
AFI's 2003 album 'Sing The Sorrow' is the band's most adventurous record yet, forging ever forward into uncharted territory like the virtuoso guitar intro of 'The Leaving Song Pt. 2' or the industrial dance disintegration of 'Death of Seasons,' as well as the enthralling and infectious verses and choruses of 'Girl's Not Grey' and 'Bleed Black.'
MTV Icon is designed to honour a band or recording artists for their significant contribution to music, music video and pop culture throughout their career. Blink 182, AFI and The Deftones will join event host - rock star extraordinaire Marilyn Manson - at MTV Icon, with more performers still to be announced. The event will be beamed across MTV Europe’s network of 119 million homes from October 2004.
*****
ok here is why it's weird:
+ i liked them BETTER when they were a primitive teen punk band up until their last album of the last year of the last millenium.
+ before said 1999 album, you would NEVER be able to tell they were influenced by anything close to Bob Smith.
+ Stink 182 is there.
+ The Deftones, who i respect because they play music for the masses in between bands at their shows and who did a killer 'to have and to hold' cover, i mildly have a problem with being on the bill.
+ manson being the host...i can't even comment.
where are the bands that the cure really influenced?! where's christmas island?! i know the singer will probably have to work that day and will be unable to make it to london, but maybe a remote gig like elton john's during one of the early mtv vma's could work...live from suffuck.
i do like how the cure's set will be show stopping - but i think they don't mean that everyone will bored off their gord and revolt and break the stage, thus stopping the show.
ok just had to put this out there. tomorrow i buy the "star wars" dvd's...can't wait. i'll also be picking up sega's espn 2k5 NHL for the xbox...my question is this: since there won't be a hockey season this year, how are they going to justify a 2k6?
"the registration expired for this car, so don't drink and drive this car...take your mother's"
-- a wealthy gentleman from st. louis
from the afi website:
AFI TO PERFORM AT MTV ICON 2004
Band to join Blink 182 at unique live tribute event to The Cure
London 15 September 2004: AFI, the MTV2 Award winners from the MTV Video Music Awards 2003 are the latest acts to be confirmed to perform at MTV Icon, an exclusive live tribute event featuring The Cure, to be filmed from London’s Old Billingsgate Market on 17 September 2004, it was announced today.
The enigmatic rockers will join multi-platinum pop-punk legends Blink 182 at the live spectacular which will feature performances and testimonials from artists and celebrities who have been influenced by The Cure, their videos and their music. In an explosive finale, 25-year rock veterans The Cure, will take the stage for a show-stopping live set.
AFI's evolution into one of the most passionately worshipped and dynamic live bands on the planet is belied by its humble origins in the mid 90s as a primitive teen punk band. Since the late 90s, the current AFI line-up of Davey Havok (vocals), Jade Puget (guitar), Hunter (bass) and Adam Carson (drums) has forged a unique blend of unbridled aggression and introspective melancholy that has earned them platinum sales in the US and the admiration of critics and fans worldwide.
AFI's 2003 album 'Sing The Sorrow' is the band's most adventurous record yet, forging ever forward into uncharted territory like the virtuoso guitar intro of 'The Leaving Song Pt. 2' or the industrial dance disintegration of 'Death of Seasons,' as well as the enthralling and infectious verses and choruses of 'Girl's Not Grey' and 'Bleed Black.'
MTV Icon is designed to honour a band or recording artists for their significant contribution to music, music video and pop culture throughout their career. Blink 182, AFI and The Deftones will join event host - rock star extraordinaire Marilyn Manson - at MTV Icon, with more performers still to be announced. The event will be beamed across MTV Europe’s network of 119 million homes from October 2004.
*****
ok here is why it's weird:
+ i liked them BETTER when they were a primitive teen punk band up until their last album of the last year of the last millenium.
+ before said 1999 album, you would NEVER be able to tell they were influenced by anything close to Bob Smith.
+ Stink 182 is there.
+ The Deftones, who i respect because they play music for the masses in between bands at their shows and who did a killer 'to have and to hold' cover, i mildly have a problem with being on the bill.
+ manson being the host...i can't even comment.
where are the bands that the cure really influenced?! where's christmas island?! i know the singer will probably have to work that day and will be unable to make it to london, but maybe a remote gig like elton john's during one of the early mtv vma's could work...live from suffuck.
i do like how the cure's set will be show stopping - but i think they don't mean that everyone will bored off their gord and revolt and break the stage, thus stopping the show.
ok just had to put this out there. tomorrow i buy the "star wars" dvd's...can't wait. i'll also be picking up sega's espn 2k5 NHL for the xbox...my question is this: since there won't be a hockey season this year, how are they going to justify a 2k6?
"the registration expired for this car, so don't drink and drive this car...take your mother's"
-- a wealthy gentleman from st. louis
17.9.04
Fleetism #1(thousand)
Yesterday, before ordering Death Cab For Cutie tix (for Tasche and myself) I thought of Thom, since he’s never near a computer. I texted him before 11 am asking him to let me know if he’s down asap since they go on sale at 12. No reply by the on-sale time, so I figured he didn’t get it ‘cause he was up on a roof or something. It’s on a Friday, he really digs DCFC, and he hasn’t hung out in AGES, so I figured he was def in.
He waits to call me until 6:45 PM (I didn’t have service at the time so I missed his call) to say he can’t go because:
- he’s getting tattooed that night
- he has to pack because...
- he’s going away with Jordana the following day (I think he said to I-RAN)
He then launches into standard voice mail antics, going on to say that he actually WORKED on music during the week when he wasn't with us. Thing is, he spent this precious time on a song that WE ALL AGREED NOT TO DO FOR THIS ALBUM MONTHS AGO.
So, in summation, if anyone needs a ticket for Death Cab, let me know. OH, and if anyone needs a guitarist who likes to keep it edgy and definitely not jangly, let me know also…
(edited for a PG Rating)
- ASH
16.9.04
Man Of The People
The LENINGRAD experiment paid off last night in a quick late night vocal session at the Birdcage. It took some tweaking of the words, but we got it down and it was relatively painless. I did several tracks including a falsetto Bee Gee's impersonation. The Disco era begins (ummmm, no). Anyway, we're happy with what we got down and we're down to just Mr. Saintface, who we have finally been able to schedule to come in early next week to do his final vocals.
We're still in the process of getting the album's centerpiece, THEME FROM PROPAGANDA, together. It's the album's dance track and we've got live drums recorded as well as some improvised and rambling vocals that I kinda did on the spot a little ways back. The track is really best suited for Ash's talents. He's edited and arranged it from the start and I personally would like to see his sensibilities applied to this song in order to take it to the next step. We'll see how this plays out. I spent part of my day getting Ash up to speed on some recent mixes and boy did he love Peter's vocals on CLEAN UP. I think you all will too.
In other news, a long gestating project I've been pushing, plotting and planning for over the past year and a half took a very big step yesterday. It's going to be a slow and painful process (as it has been just to get to this point), but in the end should be worth it. This will cure a few people's machine rock itches in 2005, I hope.
Meanwhile, I am digging the sound of SOLARIZED, the new album from former Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown, who also just made a cameo in the recent HARRY POTTER movie. SOLARIZED is is 4th solo record and is a romantic, laid back affair, with great uses of synth and horns (Courtesy I think of Groove Armada). While his peers have moved into mansions and lost touch with thier roots, Brown remains a man of the people. He never loses his cred and in this day and age, he comes across more genuine than ever before. This album takes full advantage of his Mancunian voice and I'm always impressed that he's never sold out by re-creating the Roses or gone straight rock. Each of his albums has a unique identity, yet they are all unique to him. SOLARIZED is the sound of a man comfortable with his legacy and yet still challenged by it, and that's saying a lot. On paper, it would seem his collaboration with Noel Gallagher on the excellent single KEEP WHAT YA GOT is an excuse to get Ian back into the hearts of the "kids", but he is so real and honest that it actually gives Noel the rub he's needed since Oasis' debacle at Glastonbury this summer. Ian Brown recently told the NME he is for the people, and thats no joke.
F
We're still in the process of getting the album's centerpiece, THEME FROM PROPAGANDA, together. It's the album's dance track and we've got live drums recorded as well as some improvised and rambling vocals that I kinda did on the spot a little ways back. The track is really best suited for Ash's talents. He's edited and arranged it from the start and I personally would like to see his sensibilities applied to this song in order to take it to the next step. We'll see how this plays out. I spent part of my day getting Ash up to speed on some recent mixes and boy did he love Peter's vocals on CLEAN UP. I think you all will too.
In other news, a long gestating project I've been pushing, plotting and planning for over the past year and a half took a very big step yesterday. It's going to be a slow and painful process (as it has been just to get to this point), but in the end should be worth it. This will cure a few people's machine rock itches in 2005, I hope.
Meanwhile, I am digging the sound of SOLARIZED, the new album from former Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown, who also just made a cameo in the recent HARRY POTTER movie. SOLARIZED is is 4th solo record and is a romantic, laid back affair, with great uses of synth and horns (Courtesy I think of Groove Armada). While his peers have moved into mansions and lost touch with thier roots, Brown remains a man of the people. He never loses his cred and in this day and age, he comes across more genuine than ever before. This album takes full advantage of his Mancunian voice and I'm always impressed that he's never sold out by re-creating the Roses or gone straight rock. Each of his albums has a unique identity, yet they are all unique to him. SOLARIZED is the sound of a man comfortable with his legacy and yet still challenged by it, and that's saying a lot. On paper, it would seem his collaboration with Noel Gallagher on the excellent single KEEP WHAT YA GOT is an excuse to get Ian back into the hearts of the "kids", but he is so real and honest that it actually gives Noel the rub he's needed since Oasis' debacle at Glastonbury this summer. Ian Brown recently told the NME he is for the people, and thats no joke.
F
15.9.04
Cleaning Up
A extremely nice surprise popped into my E-mail box yesterday when I received a demo of the new HF song CLEAN UP now featuring vocals from Mr. Saintface himself, Peter. To say I am happy with the results of his work would be an understatement as he has taken this song to a whole new level. Between our recent edits of the song and now his vocal stylings being added to the mix, this song has exploded big time. My lovely significant other's jaw dropped when I ran home to blast her the tune last night. Now, we just have to find a time to bring the extremely busy Mr. Peter into the Birdcage to lay down the final vocals. Hell, I'd take to demo vox with no problem, but you know, Brandt and Peter are SUCH sticklers. My intention is to hit the studio tonight to lay down my short vocals for LENINGRAD. I'll report back.
Meanwhile, have you heard Mike Shinoda's remix of Depeche Mode's ENJOY THE SILENCE? Shinoda, of Linkin Park fame, has basically turned it, in Brandt's words a Chemlab song...and this is not a bad thing. I admit an enjoyment of Linkin Park because they initially reminded me of where 16 Volt should have possibly gone with their more commercial aspirations, but I think Shinoda is a talented guy beyond that band. This does have me excited for the Depeche remix album, coming next month, mostly because of the bonus disc which has Shinoda's mix as well as mixes from Goldfrapp and Colder (who I believe I am seeing live soon, at last). And Ash will hate all this! YES!
To clear up some things from the previous entry's comment sections, Gwendolyn Kennedy, an extremely attractive blonde, was the original aggression press officer in the early-mid 1990's. She was the great grandniece of JFK (really), though had distanced herself from the family in her later teenage and college years. She introduced me to the Internet and to E-mailing at a time where the only place you could such things was go to a large computer lab on a campus. She had a thing for Ash, though this was after her fling with original aggression vocalist Dr. Michael Fury. You can still find some of her press releases on rec.music.industrial. She had a sharp tongue and could verbally and physically spar with the best of them. We lost touch after WHITELINE came out, but she has since moved to Europe (last I heard from her Ex-boyfriend Doug Scher). Gwen was a fucking spitfire, though very few remember her. Ash, I know remembers her, cause he is claiming he had a thing for her. However, while posts and E-mails did exist from her, Gwen herself never existed as she was a pseudonym I used for band announcements, which makes this post extremely enjoyable.
F
Meanwhile, have you heard Mike Shinoda's remix of Depeche Mode's ENJOY THE SILENCE? Shinoda, of Linkin Park fame, has basically turned it, in Brandt's words a Chemlab song...and this is not a bad thing. I admit an enjoyment of Linkin Park because they initially reminded me of where 16 Volt should have possibly gone with their more commercial aspirations, but I think Shinoda is a talented guy beyond that band. This does have me excited for the Depeche remix album, coming next month, mostly because of the bonus disc which has Shinoda's mix as well as mixes from Goldfrapp and Colder (who I believe I am seeing live soon, at last). And Ash will hate all this! YES!
To clear up some things from the previous entry's comment sections, Gwendolyn Kennedy, an extremely attractive blonde, was the original aggression press officer in the early-mid 1990's. She was the great grandniece of JFK (really), though had distanced herself from the family in her later teenage and college years. She introduced me to the Internet and to E-mailing at a time where the only place you could such things was go to a large computer lab on a campus. She had a thing for Ash, though this was after her fling with original aggression vocalist Dr. Michael Fury. You can still find some of her press releases on rec.music.industrial. She had a sharp tongue and could verbally and physically spar with the best of them. We lost touch after WHITELINE came out, but she has since moved to Europe (last I heard from her Ex-boyfriend Doug Scher). Gwen was a fucking spitfire, though very few remember her. Ash, I know remembers her, cause he is claiming he had a thing for her. However, while posts and E-mails did exist from her, Gwen herself never existed as she was a pseudonym I used for band announcements, which makes this post extremely enjoyable.
F
12.9.04
TIVO IS A FUCKING WORD!
Three years ago yesterday, I briefly considered the possibility of not being on this planet much longer because of some scary shit that was happening up the block from me. Yesterday, I was working on music a block away from the former World Trade Center and then later watching the bonus extras discs of the STAR WARS original Trilogy DVD's with a fine young woman. Life doesn't get much better than this. Somebody upstairs is a big Frank mark. Bless.
So it was back to the Birdcage for the second time this week to review some of the songs that haven't been listened to in some time. Mostly notably, these come from the later half of the record. Some of my demos from this portion of the album dated back to February and in order for me to get a firm grasp on the overall feel and track order of the albumI needed to be current. Also, this was an informal way on signing off on the arrangements. This required Brandt and I going into songs like EXIST, LENINGRAD, and SOLAR, which are all atmospheric and less flat out rock n roll than the other songs, and editing some temp live drums in order to see how the continuity worked. Also, in the case of EXIST and SOLAR, Chas had re-played and improved upon a lot of my rythmn bass over the last few months and I wanted these current versions. The live drums and new basslines totally take these songs to a new level, which is what we wanted, and for me, I'm happy that these songs have much more of a bite to them.
While doing all this, a vocal melody popped into my head for LENINGRAD, which up until this point has been considered an instrumental. The melody is based on an aborted aggression song, the music to which has been reworked in an Ass Cobra song called FIRST (though I'm not sure if they're using the song at this point).I'm going to try and give these vocals a shot this week. if it works, it works. If not, it remains an instrumental.
It was a productive day and I rewarded myself by spending a little more than I should have for an advance copy of the STAR WARS DVD's. I like the changes they've made so far on the DVD's, with the exception of adding Hayden as young Anakin to the final shot of RETURN OF THE JEDI. You can see the changes here;
http://www.thedigitalbits.com/reviews3/starwarschanges.html
The most interesting change is the new dialogue between the Emperor and Vader in EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. It seems to allude to something that we have yet to see happen in REVENGE OF THE SITH. My prediction is this: in SITH, Anakin, with some good still left in him, lets Obi-Wan escape with the baby Luke and LIES to the Emperor that he has killed them. I wanted to put this down here so when the movie comes back I can either be proven right or wrong. Anyhow, the DVD's are good fun.
The rest of the evening was spent with my birthday girl (not Matt) with a little Shabu Shabu on 10th street. Later, we were joined by the ladies of Internationalpoontang who are the best. We did some classy ass barhopping, though I was the token boy (despite trying to find G repeatedly). This evening found us in a bar at 2 am playing scrabble and to YOU the reader I ask: is TIVO a word? My lawyer/agent/advisor would say yes. My girlfriend and the ladies would say no. Anyhow, I was robbed. I'm telling you. Though the word QUEEN got me lotsa points. Thanks for teaching me that word, Matt!
Oh, in cartoon news, the new BATMAN show is really good, but needs work. However a pal of mine is writing for it, so I am hopeful. TEEN TITANS rules as always but the JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED episode with BOOSTER GOLD, one of my all time fave C-list heroes, rocked beyond belief. This character is the, ahem, goldmine, I have always said he was. Take that, naysayers (especially those at Warners).
F
PS: Warning to import record store owners: If an album Brandt wants is coming out, PLEASE make sure you have it on time so the kid doesnt freak out like a small boy who got skipped over by Santa on Christmas. Thanks.
So it was back to the Birdcage for the second time this week to review some of the songs that haven't been listened to in some time. Mostly notably, these come from the later half of the record. Some of my demos from this portion of the album dated back to February and in order for me to get a firm grasp on the overall feel and track order of the albumI needed to be current. Also, this was an informal way on signing off on the arrangements. This required Brandt and I going into songs like EXIST, LENINGRAD, and SOLAR, which are all atmospheric and less flat out rock n roll than the other songs, and editing some temp live drums in order to see how the continuity worked. Also, in the case of EXIST and SOLAR, Chas had re-played and improved upon a lot of my rythmn bass over the last few months and I wanted these current versions. The live drums and new basslines totally take these songs to a new level, which is what we wanted, and for me, I'm happy that these songs have much more of a bite to them.
While doing all this, a vocal melody popped into my head for LENINGRAD, which up until this point has been considered an instrumental. The melody is based on an aborted aggression song, the music to which has been reworked in an Ass Cobra song called FIRST (though I'm not sure if they're using the song at this point).I'm going to try and give these vocals a shot this week. if it works, it works. If not, it remains an instrumental.
It was a productive day and I rewarded myself by spending a little more than I should have for an advance copy of the STAR WARS DVD's. I like the changes they've made so far on the DVD's, with the exception of adding Hayden as young Anakin to the final shot of RETURN OF THE JEDI. You can see the changes here;
http://www.thedigitalbits.com/reviews3/starwarschanges.html
The most interesting change is the new dialogue between the Emperor and Vader in EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. It seems to allude to something that we have yet to see happen in REVENGE OF THE SITH. My prediction is this: in SITH, Anakin, with some good still left in him, lets Obi-Wan escape with the baby Luke and LIES to the Emperor that he has killed them. I wanted to put this down here so when the movie comes back I can either be proven right or wrong. Anyhow, the DVD's are good fun.
The rest of the evening was spent with my birthday girl (not Matt) with a little Shabu Shabu on 10th street. Later, we were joined by the ladies of Internationalpoontang who are the best. We did some classy ass barhopping, though I was the token boy (despite trying to find G repeatedly). This evening found us in a bar at 2 am playing scrabble and to YOU the reader I ask: is TIVO a word? My lawyer/agent/advisor would say yes. My girlfriend and the ladies would say no. Anyhow, I was robbed. I'm telling you. Though the word QUEEN got me lotsa points. Thanks for teaching me that word, Matt!
Oh, in cartoon news, the new BATMAN show is really good, but needs work. However a pal of mine is writing for it, so I am hopeful. TEEN TITANS rules as always but the JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED episode with BOOSTER GOLD, one of my all time fave C-list heroes, rocked beyond belief. This character is the, ahem, goldmine, I have always said he was. Take that, naysayers (especially those at Warners).
F
PS: Warning to import record store owners: If an album Brandt wants is coming out, PLEASE make sure you have it on time so the kid doesnt freak out like a small boy who got skipped over by Santa on Christmas. Thanks.
10.9.04
HAN SOLO, YOU ARE NOT LEAVING THIS TABLE UNTIL YOU EAT ALL YOUR MYNOCK SOUP!
I've been somewhat quiet about my all time favourite passion, STAR WARS, as of late (at least online), but two things have inspired me to write:
1. The Maker himself, George Lucas, was the guest on (Dan Hamill's favourite neighbor/womanizer) Charlie Rose last night, presumably to promote the release of the Star Wars Original Trilogy DVD's (aka Matt Gentile's new excuse to act like a Diva). Charlie seemed quite thrilled to have Lucas on "for the ENTIRE HOUR", and Lucas was, well, Lucas. I'm kinda torn about how I feel about the ENTIRE HOUR I spent watching this because it basically had nothing to do with Star Wars and more to do with Lucas' relationship with Francis Ford Coppola and the era of filmmaking they came from. Now I normally don't have an issue with that, and I was excited to see a side of Lucas I hadn't seen before (learning about his work in education was very interesting and his decision to raise his family instead of making movies for many years was just as fascinating to hear), but I was disappointed with Charlie's inability to go through the entire spectrum of Lucas career (no mention of the INDY movies, TUCKER, etc). The interview seemed to focus on Lucas' life/career until Star Wars and then briefly went over the freedoms the success of STAR WARS had given (except when he got divorced, which was sad yet funny) and him basically saying he did the new SW movies to regain his financial independence. The chat then went deeply into art and how technology has evolved and what he WANTS to do as a filmmaker in the future, which again, was interesting. This would have been a great first ENTIRE hour for a two hour interview. What made this even worse was at the end Charlie seemed surprised the hour was up and started to fumble with a copy of the SW DVD box to promote it, but it was too late. I've seen james Liption do better. And my favourite part of the whole thing was when Lucas said "Now that STAR WARS is done...", which is utter bullshit, George! Speaking of which...
2. During the press junket for the Original Trilogy DVD's yesterday in LA, Mr. Skywalker himself, Mark "My name's not Dan" Hamill uttered words the following words that are now ringing across the galaxy (or at least the Internet): "They've just told me they're doing 7, 8, and 9". Listen to it here:
http://downloads.nexcess.net/comingsoon-hamill-swdvd1.mp3
He fucking SAYS this! Not an internet bullshit rumour, AND he says this while sitting directly next to Jim Ward, Lucas' hard ass commandant who tows the company line to the pont where I'm convinced he carries a cyanide capsule in a false tooth and would gladly swallow it and die in the name of Lucas then allow any info Episode 3 or future Lucas projects to be revealed. In fact, I believe he has probably killed a few people in the name of Lucas. Don't let the "nice suburban dad" look fool you. He is a bad ass and a half. See him here with Hamill:
http://comingsoon.net/nextraimages/swtrilogy2.jpg
Now let me explain something for the first time. Thanks to a certain journalist pally, yours truly, disgused as a freelancer for a young people's magazine, got to the NY version of this junket and from what I've read about yesterday it's basically the same dog and pony show I saw. However, from the pix I've seen of this LA event, it seems different in that Commandant Ward is seated with each guest, unlike when I went and the guests were (supposedly) given free reign. You should have seen the man's face when EMPIRE STRIKES BACK director Irvin Kirschner talked about how Lucas should only produce and never direct. PRICELESS. I'm sure yesterday was a very different story.
Anyhow, in a non-disclosed hotel in lower Manhattan, I signed a 6 page confidentiality agreement similar to the one I signed when being handed the Saintface album (which explains my lack of discussion about that record) and had to keep my mouth shut for several months. It expired, believe it or not, today (the Saintface agreement goes somewhat longer, I'll check with MOGlegal). Mark Hamill was the surprise guest when I went and he was nothing short of cool, funny and awesome. Anyhow, 7, 8, and 9; numbers we SW fans have long since cast aside, keep coming back to haunt us. For Hamill to say this at at Lucas controlled, *ahem*, I mean sponsored event, is some serious shit. In my twisted mind, Hamill was asked to slip this in to create buzz (it's just too obvious) or he was taken round back the silent movie threatre and had the snot beat out of him by Jim Ward for talking out of school.
I don't lose too much sleep over this stuff as I know Lucas (and his heirs) will be giving us SW long after my great grandchildren are in the grave, but if the elderly Lucas decides to grace us with another trilogy, I beg of him to hire Peter Jackson (who he has a great affinity towards) to direct. All I'm saying.
However, they have finally confirmed that they are giving us a SW TV series in the future. Live action. If it's a young Han Solo series, we're gonna have problems. And now, I'm going back to play Rebel Strike 3...Thanks Ev!
F
1. The Maker himself, George Lucas, was the guest on (Dan Hamill's favourite neighbor/womanizer) Charlie Rose last night, presumably to promote the release of the Star Wars Original Trilogy DVD's (aka Matt Gentile's new excuse to act like a Diva). Charlie seemed quite thrilled to have Lucas on "for the ENTIRE HOUR", and Lucas was, well, Lucas. I'm kinda torn about how I feel about the ENTIRE HOUR I spent watching this because it basically had nothing to do with Star Wars and more to do with Lucas' relationship with Francis Ford Coppola and the era of filmmaking they came from. Now I normally don't have an issue with that, and I was excited to see a side of Lucas I hadn't seen before (learning about his work in education was very interesting and his decision to raise his family instead of making movies for many years was just as fascinating to hear), but I was disappointed with Charlie's inability to go through the entire spectrum of Lucas career (no mention of the INDY movies, TUCKER, etc). The interview seemed to focus on Lucas' life/career until Star Wars and then briefly went over the freedoms the success of STAR WARS had given (except when he got divorced, which was sad yet funny) and him basically saying he did the new SW movies to regain his financial independence. The chat then went deeply into art and how technology has evolved and what he WANTS to do as a filmmaker in the future, which again, was interesting. This would have been a great first ENTIRE hour for a two hour interview. What made this even worse was at the end Charlie seemed surprised the hour was up and started to fumble with a copy of the SW DVD box to promote it, but it was too late. I've seen james Liption do better. And my favourite part of the whole thing was when Lucas said "Now that STAR WARS is done...", which is utter bullshit, George! Speaking of which...
2. During the press junket for the Original Trilogy DVD's yesterday in LA, Mr. Skywalker himself, Mark "My name's not Dan" Hamill uttered words the following words that are now ringing across the galaxy (or at least the Internet): "They've just told me they're doing 7, 8, and 9". Listen to it here:
http://downloads.nexcess.net/comingsoon-hamill-swdvd1.mp3
He fucking SAYS this! Not an internet bullshit rumour, AND he says this while sitting directly next to Jim Ward, Lucas' hard ass commandant who tows the company line to the pont where I'm convinced he carries a cyanide capsule in a false tooth and would gladly swallow it and die in the name of Lucas then allow any info Episode 3 or future Lucas projects to be revealed. In fact, I believe he has probably killed a few people in the name of Lucas. Don't let the "nice suburban dad" look fool you. He is a bad ass and a half. See him here with Hamill:
http://comingsoon.net/nextraimages/swtrilogy2.jpg
Now let me explain something for the first time. Thanks to a certain journalist pally, yours truly, disgused as a freelancer for a young people's magazine, got to the NY version of this junket and from what I've read about yesterday it's basically the same dog and pony show I saw. However, from the pix I've seen of this LA event, it seems different in that Commandant Ward is seated with each guest, unlike when I went and the guests were (supposedly) given free reign. You should have seen the man's face when EMPIRE STRIKES BACK director Irvin Kirschner talked about how Lucas should only produce and never direct. PRICELESS. I'm sure yesterday was a very different story.
Anyhow, in a non-disclosed hotel in lower Manhattan, I signed a 6 page confidentiality agreement similar to the one I signed when being handed the Saintface album (which explains my lack of discussion about that record) and had to keep my mouth shut for several months. It expired, believe it or not, today (the Saintface agreement goes somewhat longer, I'll check with MOGlegal). Mark Hamill was the surprise guest when I went and he was nothing short of cool, funny and awesome. Anyhow, 7, 8, and 9; numbers we SW fans have long since cast aside, keep coming back to haunt us. For Hamill to say this at at Lucas controlled, *ahem*, I mean sponsored event, is some serious shit. In my twisted mind, Hamill was asked to slip this in to create buzz (it's just too obvious) or he was taken round back the silent movie threatre and had the snot beat out of him by Jim Ward for talking out of school.
I don't lose too much sleep over this stuff as I know Lucas (and his heirs) will be giving us SW long after my great grandchildren are in the grave, but if the elderly Lucas decides to grace us with another trilogy, I beg of him to hire Peter Jackson (who he has a great affinity towards) to direct. All I'm saying.
However, they have finally confirmed that they are giving us a SW TV series in the future. Live action. If it's a young Han Solo series, we're gonna have problems. And now, I'm going back to play Rebel Strike 3...Thanks Ev!
F
9.9.04
Live From The Birdcage
I'm not sure, but this could be my first entry directly from mid-session. Just a few minutes ago, Brandt, Ash, Charles and myself (Robin, sadly is absent for various reasons) finished improvising a brand new track that is based around a wonderful harmonic Charles started on his bass. This turned into a 20 minute jam with B on guitars, myself on keyboards, and Ash manning the drum machines, FX and computer. I'm on the couch while Ash and Brandt lay get ready to hit the record button so we can commit the parts we like to digitial tape. And this is just one part of a very productive evening.
I arrived here early tonight to again work on further edits on CLEAN UP so we can fit Peter Saintface's vocals (whenever he decides to come visit us. I think these reversions have really helped this track immensely. As I was wrapping the edit up, Ash showed up and expressed his love for the new version of the song, which is always a good sign.
The theme of the evening has been, well, "clean up" as we have been going through the tracks and making sure we're happy with the arrangements and sounds, etc. This usually leads to bass overdubs provided by Charles who is nothing short of awesome tonight on tracks like CREATION PHASE. He also happened to walk in as we were finishing CLEAN UP and we convinced him to replay my chorus so it was super-tight. Aces. Also undergoing a signficant edit was the bonus track DESCRIPTIVE which is now a lean mean song with the perfect balance of New Order style rock and Cerati-like electronics. I'm still working on the lyrics for that one, but its less a priority at moment. However, our summer break has made us all quite prolific.
Meanwhile, we've all caught up as we haven't seen each other for weeks or in some cases a few months. Lots going on in everyone's musical world and through all the discussions, we have figured out a possible way to combine the efforts of the two MOG-offshoots into the supergroup that Dan Hamill has always dreamt about. It's embryonic and it's going to be a ways down the road, but it's a cool idea (yes, of course it was me who thought of it!)
At this point, Charles has laid down his harmonics and B is getting Ash's 909 programs recorded. It sounds like heaven up here, kids.
F
PS: Oh, and Ash didn't hate Kasabian...yet
I arrived here early tonight to again work on further edits on CLEAN UP so we can fit Peter Saintface's vocals (whenever he decides to come visit us. I think these reversions have really helped this track immensely. As I was wrapping the edit up, Ash showed up and expressed his love for the new version of the song, which is always a good sign.
The theme of the evening has been, well, "clean up" as we have been going through the tracks and making sure we're happy with the arrangements and sounds, etc. This usually leads to bass overdubs provided by Charles who is nothing short of awesome tonight on tracks like CREATION PHASE. He also happened to walk in as we were finishing CLEAN UP and we convinced him to replay my chorus so it was super-tight. Aces. Also undergoing a signficant edit was the bonus track DESCRIPTIVE which is now a lean mean song with the perfect balance of New Order style rock and Cerati-like electronics. I'm still working on the lyrics for that one, but its less a priority at moment. However, our summer break has made us all quite prolific.
Meanwhile, we've all caught up as we haven't seen each other for weeks or in some cases a few months. Lots going on in everyone's musical world and through all the discussions, we have figured out a possible way to combine the efforts of the two MOG-offshoots into the supergroup that Dan Hamill has always dreamt about. It's embryonic and it's going to be a ways down the road, but it's a cool idea (yes, of course it was me who thought of it!)
At this point, Charles has laid down his harmonics and B is getting Ash's 909 programs recorded. It sounds like heaven up here, kids.
F
PS: Oh, and Ash didn't hate Kasabian...yet
7.9.04
What I have learned from...
...my own dumbass self. NEVER EVER teach a six year old how to perform the legendary wrestling move known as the Shining Wizard. Made popular in Japan by the legendary Keiji Motuh, the Shining Wizard is when a wrestler steps off his opponents knee with one foot and strikes him in the face with his other knee. It is a deadly move and should be used only by professionals and backyard veterans such as myself. Observe here: http://batt.xxking.com/wallpaper/jp/d_sw_800.jpg
If you teach a young and energetic 6 year old this move, you will wake up the next day bruised, battered and with servere headaches. Also, your significant other, who was not made aware that the child had been taught this move, will be mad at you for her "sore boobs" that have been accidentally kneed repeatedly. Just sayin.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch (or on Third Avenue), I enjoyed a brief conversation with the scary busy yet jangly Robin Emmet, who was on her way to make smoothies (if you know what I mean). We discussed our musical adventures, some of which will transpire this week. I only mention this because I feel bad that I totally talked her ear off for like 20 minutes straight and I wanted to publically apologize. What makes it worse is that even though I mentioned that I had something to ask her about while I was talking, I never got to it! Robin!
Imagine the Roses, the Verve, the Primals all mixed together into one young and exciting band...that's Kasabian. After hearing bands rip off the sounds of NY and the UK from the 70's, it's about time someone ripped off the bands that defined the late/80's early 90's (pre-oasis) British music scene and combined it with modern electonics and production to create what I think is one of the best debut albums of the last 5 years. I had gotten a hold of some of their singles and while I was digging it, I felt they lacked the maturity in terms of production and the presence of some of the guitars. However, for the album, out this week in the UK, they drafted in Jim Abbiss, who has worked with everyone from Massive Attack to Bjork to DJ Shadow to really bring the band to that next level. The songs from the singles have been revised and matured and the sound is perfect. Great electronic, rythmn based rock n roll. This band also has a diversity I feel has been missing in Rock N Roll. The record goes from storming rockers to baggy dance numbers and then to synth driven instrumentals. Also, these guys have a great attitude in the press. They're hungry and I like that. The singer, Tom Meighan, recently called Julian Casablacas a "Posh Fucking Skier". That says it all. Best new band and top 3 for Album of the Year (I'm leaving room cause some big shit is coming).
Nu-Baggy begins. I can't wait till Ash hates this album.
F
PS: Happy Birthday to my lovely significant and younger other. Your Ipod is on it's way now gimme back mine. xoxo
If you teach a young and energetic 6 year old this move, you will wake up the next day bruised, battered and with servere headaches. Also, your significant other, who was not made aware that the child had been taught this move, will be mad at you for her "sore boobs" that have been accidentally kneed repeatedly. Just sayin.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch (or on Third Avenue), I enjoyed a brief conversation with the scary busy yet jangly Robin Emmet, who was on her way to make smoothies (if you know what I mean). We discussed our musical adventures, some of which will transpire this week. I only mention this because I feel bad that I totally talked her ear off for like 20 minutes straight and I wanted to publically apologize. What makes it worse is that even though I mentioned that I had something to ask her about while I was talking, I never got to it! Robin!
Imagine the Roses, the Verve, the Primals all mixed together into one young and exciting band...that's Kasabian. After hearing bands rip off the sounds of NY and the UK from the 70's, it's about time someone ripped off the bands that defined the late/80's early 90's (pre-oasis) British music scene and combined it with modern electonics and production to create what I think is one of the best debut albums of the last 5 years. I had gotten a hold of some of their singles and while I was digging it, I felt they lacked the maturity in terms of production and the presence of some of the guitars. However, for the album, out this week in the UK, they drafted in Jim Abbiss, who has worked with everyone from Massive Attack to Bjork to DJ Shadow to really bring the band to that next level. The songs from the singles have been revised and matured and the sound is perfect. Great electronic, rythmn based rock n roll. This band also has a diversity I feel has been missing in Rock N Roll. The record goes from storming rockers to baggy dance numbers and then to synth driven instrumentals. Also, these guys have a great attitude in the press. They're hungry and I like that. The singer, Tom Meighan, recently called Julian Casablacas a "Posh Fucking Skier". That says it all. Best new band and top 3 for Album of the Year (I'm leaving room cause some big shit is coming).
Nu-Baggy begins. I can't wait till Ash hates this album.
F
PS: Happy Birthday to my lovely significant and younger other. Your Ipod is on it's way now gimme back mine. xoxo
6.9.04
FUCK THE MAINSTREAM!!!
the only thing scarier than a bald headed, ugly guy in a skirt with bad tattoos on some weird drugs with a g/f that happens to work in my building is...the fact that we share the same last name.
so i went to check out SIOUXSIE last night for "AN EVENING WITH SIOUXSIE". the premise of the "EVENING WITH..." is that she would do some Creatures Stuff and some Banshee stuff. For a first time Siouxsie attendee, this was perfect.
and after waiting for an hour and a half past the posted show time, they finally came on. i was in such a bad mood that they had to be perfect to entertain me. and they were. Siouxsie Sioux is a fantastic enterainter, a marvelous front woman with charisma out the wazoo. And for old rockers approaching their 50s (and just imagine the drugs they've consumed since the late 70s - i mean, Sid Vicious was in the original lineup), she and drummer Budgie look young, fit and ready to have party on stage.
so the venue was good, though i hate the fact that there is no where to sit without throwing down huge wads of cash for mandatory botle service - i like to refer to it as "extortion". the crowd was...i really hope i don't even need to go into that. but the highlight was catching up with RYAN - the Navy fag from new jersey we met at Club Relax in the Queens/outerboro of Moscow. "I met you in Moscow" - "How did you meet me in Moscow?" - "umm I said 'hey, what's up? my name is Matt.'"
go back to jersey kid.
f/m at rothko in october. lock your doors. put the kids to sleep early.
so i went to check out SIOUXSIE last night for "AN EVENING WITH SIOUXSIE". the premise of the "EVENING WITH..." is that she would do some Creatures Stuff and some Banshee stuff. For a first time Siouxsie attendee, this was perfect.
and after waiting for an hour and a half past the posted show time, they finally came on. i was in such a bad mood that they had to be perfect to entertain me. and they were. Siouxsie Sioux is a fantastic enterainter, a marvelous front woman with charisma out the wazoo. And for old rockers approaching their 50s (and just imagine the drugs they've consumed since the late 70s - i mean, Sid Vicious was in the original lineup), she and drummer Budgie look young, fit and ready to have party on stage.
so the venue was good, though i hate the fact that there is no where to sit without throwing down huge wads of cash for mandatory botle service - i like to refer to it as "extortion". the crowd was...i really hope i don't even need to go into that. but the highlight was catching up with RYAN - the Navy fag from new jersey we met at Club Relax in the Queens/outerboro of Moscow. "I met you in Moscow" - "How did you meet me in Moscow?" - "umm I said 'hey, what's up? my name is Matt.'"
go back to jersey kid.
f/m at rothko in october. lock your doors. put the kids to sleep early.
5.9.04
Like Riding A Bike...
Everyone is home from vacation finally, so it was "Back To School" day at the Birdcage yesterday. Maybe Brandt can explain better, but there's a film crew in his house and it has something to do with the Republican Convention (which I successfully avoided all week). B was supposed to protest and get arrested (i think for the movie) and had made arrangments with me to bail him out. Sadly this didn't trasnpire and he came by my apartment to add some music software for my computer. I was all excited to blog about bailing him out of jail...dang.
Anyway, that means the majority of the studio except our main space is filled with cameras and gear and people. However, this means EVERYTHING is crammed into the stuido to make room for the filmmakers. Also, the place is filled with TONS of vinyl, videos and box sets that B's mom has forced him to remove from her house in Chicago. This is quite a significant amount of stuff. The Birdcage now has every piece of vinyl Wax Trax ever released, including every white label, test pressing, promo tape, etc. as well as a massive collection of just rare insanity that would give even the hardered music fanatic (like me) goosebumps. And yes the first thing we threw on was the KMFDM white label from MONEY that was discussed in depth here. It was pretty cool!
Just as my 6 year old nephew has dropped the training wheels of his new bike in what seems like a few short days, my return to the Birdcage to resume work on the new Hypefactor album was just like riding a bike. I was there to work and work I did (though admittedly at a leisurely pace). My expertise lies in song arrangement and structure and our song CLEAN UP, which will be sung by Peter Saintface, needed to be edited before Peter makes his way downtown this coming week to sing his heart out in the name of Hypefactor. The original song was very long and even Peter contributed an edit sometime back, but he removed big chunks that I felt served as good pre-choruses. I knew somewhere there was a good middle ground to be reached. It took a bit, but by shortening those F-bass pre-choruses, removing a whole chorus, and shortening the intro, I was able to shave a good minute and a half and get the tune into the 4:30 range. I think we have a much better song. I actually wanted to shorten some of the verses, but I decided to wait until we see what Peter comes up with. If he sings as well as he has on the new Saintface album, we're gonna have ourselves one sweet Hypefactor record.
According to Brandt, we're supposedly in good shape with the record in terms of being ready to mix. There are a few drum edits left (If he's not bullshitting me) and on Wednesday, we're going to bring the rest of the crew in for some quick dubs just to make everything airtight.
Later, after meeting Irene in soho for some Vincent Gallo Chocolate (thanks for the tasty birthday present, B), we gathered with G, Lurch and Evan to check out the film GARDEN STATE. Now, I had heard nothing but raves for this movie, which always concerns me. It stars a sitcom actor called Zach Braff who is also the writer and director of this film. I won't get into the plot too much, but it's a journey of self-discovery about failed LA actor who comes home to Jersey for his mother's funeral. Now back in Jersey he re-connects with his childhood loser best friend (the excellent Peter Sarsgaard) and meets a girl, played by Natalie Portman, who changes everything. It's a very touching tragi-comedy that is supurbly acted and well directed for a first-timer. Braff is without a doubt a talented director and a good writer as well, but it's his acting, along with the other leads that brings this to a whole different level. Sarsgaard is great, but my old friend Nat steals this movie and never gives it back the second she appears on screen. She's Oscar worthy in this and it shows what she can do when directed properly (too late to take note Mr. Lucas). You fall in love with her long before the main character does. This movie had us laughing one minute and choked up the next. Lurch and Irene cried, that should say it all. See it. I'll own this one. It's this years LOST IN TRANSLATION. Excellent, moving filmmaking. Loved it.
Back to the NME.
Anyway, that means the majority of the studio except our main space is filled with cameras and gear and people. However, this means EVERYTHING is crammed into the stuido to make room for the filmmakers. Also, the place is filled with TONS of vinyl, videos and box sets that B's mom has forced him to remove from her house in Chicago. This is quite a significant amount of stuff. The Birdcage now has every piece of vinyl Wax Trax ever released, including every white label, test pressing, promo tape, etc. as well as a massive collection of just rare insanity that would give even the hardered music fanatic (like me) goosebumps. And yes the first thing we threw on was the KMFDM white label from MONEY that was discussed in depth here. It was pretty cool!
Just as my 6 year old nephew has dropped the training wheels of his new bike in what seems like a few short days, my return to the Birdcage to resume work on the new Hypefactor album was just like riding a bike. I was there to work and work I did (though admittedly at a leisurely pace). My expertise lies in song arrangement and structure and our song CLEAN UP, which will be sung by Peter Saintface, needed to be edited before Peter makes his way downtown this coming week to sing his heart out in the name of Hypefactor. The original song was very long and even Peter contributed an edit sometime back, but he removed big chunks that I felt served as good pre-choruses. I knew somewhere there was a good middle ground to be reached. It took a bit, but by shortening those F-bass pre-choruses, removing a whole chorus, and shortening the intro, I was able to shave a good minute and a half and get the tune into the 4:30 range. I think we have a much better song. I actually wanted to shorten some of the verses, but I decided to wait until we see what Peter comes up with. If he sings as well as he has on the new Saintface album, we're gonna have ourselves one sweet Hypefactor record.
According to Brandt, we're supposedly in good shape with the record in terms of being ready to mix. There are a few drum edits left (If he's not bullshitting me) and on Wednesday, we're going to bring the rest of the crew in for some quick dubs just to make everything airtight.
Later, after meeting Irene in soho for some Vincent Gallo Chocolate (thanks for the tasty birthday present, B), we gathered with G, Lurch and Evan to check out the film GARDEN STATE. Now, I had heard nothing but raves for this movie, which always concerns me. It stars a sitcom actor called Zach Braff who is also the writer and director of this film. I won't get into the plot too much, but it's a journey of self-discovery about failed LA actor who comes home to Jersey for his mother's funeral. Now back in Jersey he re-connects with his childhood loser best friend (the excellent Peter Sarsgaard) and meets a girl, played by Natalie Portman, who changes everything. It's a very touching tragi-comedy that is supurbly acted and well directed for a first-timer. Braff is without a doubt a talented director and a good writer as well, but it's his acting, along with the other leads that brings this to a whole different level. Sarsgaard is great, but my old friend Nat steals this movie and never gives it back the second she appears on screen. She's Oscar worthy in this and it shows what she can do when directed properly (too late to take note Mr. Lucas). You fall in love with her long before the main character does. This movie had us laughing one minute and choked up the next. Lurch and Irene cried, that should say it all. See it. I'll own this one. It's this years LOST IN TRANSLATION. Excellent, moving filmmaking. Loved it.
Back to the NME.
1.9.04
Like the Wind....
With HERO scoring at the Box Office, I was fortunate enough, thanks to The Publicist Herself, to find myself in the Sony screening room this evening watching Director Zang Yimou's NEXT film: HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS. I was nothing short of blown away by what I saw.
This is a more conventional and less stylized film than HERO, and while it's not a very original story it is nontheless intense as hell and has enough swerves in the third act to keep you on your toes. The beautiful Zang Ziyi is scary good at conveying a varying range emotions. She does this effortlessly and is well on her way to becoming one of the best international actresses we have. Takeshi Kaneshiro, one of my personal favourites since I saw him in THE RETURNER, finally gets to do something worthy of his acting talent is able to shed his pretty boy image. Finally, what more can I say about Andy Lau? Never my favourite till recent years (see FULLTIME KILLER, the INFERNAL AFFAIRS SERIES and RUNNING ON KARMA), he has now become THE HK actor to watch. Like the best bottle of wine, he gets so much better with age (yet never visually seems to age) and really takes this movie into the stratosphere in the third act.
This movie isn't the masterpiece HERO is, but it's very close and it shouldn't be compared because its a very different movie. The climactic fight, in which the love triangle comes to a head, is brutal and charged with great emotion. It is choreographed and filmed for maximum effect and you feel every punch, kick and slice. Yimou has a cool way of balancing fantasy kung fu stuff with realistic throw downs that leave you gasping without ever taking you out of the drama. He once again creates a great love story with Martial Arts trappings and again takes the action to a new level. Simply excellent filmmaking. Check it out when it opens here in December (or so I'm told)
F
This is a more conventional and less stylized film than HERO, and while it's not a very original story it is nontheless intense as hell and has enough swerves in the third act to keep you on your toes. The beautiful Zang Ziyi is scary good at conveying a varying range emotions. She does this effortlessly and is well on her way to becoming one of the best international actresses we have. Takeshi Kaneshiro, one of my personal favourites since I saw him in THE RETURNER, finally gets to do something worthy of his acting talent is able to shed his pretty boy image. Finally, what more can I say about Andy Lau? Never my favourite till recent years (see FULLTIME KILLER, the INFERNAL AFFAIRS SERIES and RUNNING ON KARMA), he has now become THE HK actor to watch. Like the best bottle of wine, he gets so much better with age (yet never visually seems to age) and really takes this movie into the stratosphere in the third act.
This movie isn't the masterpiece HERO is, but it's very close and it shouldn't be compared because its a very different movie. The climactic fight, in which the love triangle comes to a head, is brutal and charged with great emotion. It is choreographed and filmed for maximum effect and you feel every punch, kick and slice. Yimou has a cool way of balancing fantasy kung fu stuff with realistic throw downs that leave you gasping without ever taking you out of the drama. He once again creates a great love story with Martial Arts trappings and again takes the action to a new level. Simply excellent filmmaking. Check it out when it opens here in December (or so I'm told)
F