So I went to a gig the other night. It was at a crap venue. It took forever to get in. It took even longer to get a drink. We were packed like sardines. The band was forced to play early. They had tons of technical problems. The constantly had to stop and restart songs. The singer was totally pissed off at the monitor guy. He sang so insanely out of tune that they would again have to stop and restart. And even when they were in tune, he still sang out of tune. Yet, somehow, in some way, this was an amazing gig, and we had a wonderful time; SO good in fact, that certain songs brought Dan Hamill to tears. Who has the power to have such an effect over us? Who could be that incredible that an audience would look over all the bullshit listed above and not only tolerate it, but only become more supportive? Just as Liam Gallagher once "whispered" into the ear of Fuss Poontang one night at 3 of Cups, I tell you now, this man is IAN BROWN.
Shuffling around the stage like a featherweight boxer, King Monkey came to Webster Hall the other night to show us the kids how it's done. This man is not blessed with the best voice in the world, but he has the charisma of a small diety and he just comes across as the real deal. No pretention, no bullshit. He also has a good band, I believe, but you know these assholes at Webster Hall rushed this gig so they could get the Bridge, Tunnel and Suffolk trash with disposable incomes into their club for their regular Saturday night asshole convention. And the gig suffered for that. Or did it? Did all the tech problems make this a better night? Did it heighten the drama of seeing this legend overcome the difficulties of a shit venue? I believe so. And while he sang out of tune, he meant it so much that you didn't care. As Irene stood in shock (next to Dorg Poontang, who was consumed by lust for King Monkey), she turned to me and said "I should be hating this, but I can't. It's impossible"
I would also like to note that Ian Brown engaged in what i call P.U.H, which stands for PROPER USE of HOP. He wore his Hop (aka parka style jacket) like a fucking man and even better put it on halfway into the gig. Huge Points.
And to my right stood Dan Hamill, the man who I saw the Stone Roses with back in the day (and coined the title of this entry), weeping over the fact that half of this set was going to be filled with Roses classics. He was not alone. I have to admit hearing the bassline to I WANNA BE ADORED was moving as fuck. The venue was filled with Expats who probably saw the Roses before Danny and I did. If you were the right age, and luckily Danny and I were, the Roses mean something beyond anything you can imagine. It's probably how kids a bit younger than us felt about Nirvana. Let me also add here that Ian Brown's recent solo stuff is fucking amazing as well. It's very diverse, very not Roses, but perhaps it's more appealing because he doesn't try to replicate the past. I was excited to hear songs like F.E.A.R. and KEEP WHAT YA GOT live for the first time.
But the Roses are beyond mythic, and as discussed in previous entries, as long as Ian Brown continues and throws some Roses into the set, I don't see the need to get the band back together. Ever. Don't. I'd accept the Smiths before I'd accept the Roses, and that ain't happening either.
John Squire: Brilliant musician. Control freak. Perfectionist. Asshole.
Ian Brown: Hero who makes grown men weep.
Do the math.
Anyhow, post-gig saw his hit Ave C to visit Ash for his 28th birthday celebration. It's always good to see Ash socially, something thats all too rare, and even nicer to see Charles, who I see even less of these days. Of course the significant others get pissy about us talking about the bands too much, but hey, we are who we are. It was a good time. Ash travels in some serious circles. Not only did he have the Hypefactor all stars there, but he had a genuine record PRODUCER in our midst as well. Hot. Producers are tough creatures though, they leave early and don't return E-mails. But I guess I'm one to talk as i don't return phone calls to people who are two blocks away and can't be arsed to see their mates. While certain members of the MOGpac were missed, quite possible wrapped up in their own OC style dramas, this was a solid evening overall.
I'm not getting into the Oscars. I can't. I'll tell you about the New Order album this week. Hopefully.
F
28.2.05
26.2.05
Vice
Previously on this Blog, you may have read how concerned I was that MIAMI VICE was going to be turned into a new motion picture by it's creator, Michael Mann and would star Colin "Anna's Ex" Farrell and Jamie "No, really I haven't gone Hollywood" Foxx in the roles originated by Don Johnson and Phillip Michael Thomas, respectively.
Without going on my usual long rant, this photo confirms everything I hoped this movie wasn't going to be. I hope I'm wrong and this is some shot of Crockett undercover. Prove me wrong, lads, prove me wrong. Michael Mann is an amazing director, so keep your fingers crossed. But so far...ehh.
Sadly, and Dan Hamill will confirm this, I went to several school dances in the 8th grade dressed like this only to leave said dances early to make sure I made it home in time to see, what do you think, MIAMI VICE. If Colin does a remake of Don Johnson's single HEARTBEAT, I'll be impressed, but I didn't buy Don's version either. I'm not that crazy. However, if there's a petition to get NASH BRIDGES on to DVD, I'll be the first to sign.
F
Without going on my usual long rant, this photo confirms everything I hoped this movie wasn't going to be. I hope I'm wrong and this is some shot of Crockett undercover. Prove me wrong, lads, prove me wrong. Michael Mann is an amazing director, so keep your fingers crossed. But so far...ehh.
Sadly, and Dan Hamill will confirm this, I went to several school dances in the 8th grade dressed like this only to leave said dances early to make sure I made it home in time to see, what do you think, MIAMI VICE. If Colin does a remake of Don Johnson's single HEARTBEAT, I'll be impressed, but I didn't buy Don's version either. I'm not that crazy. However, if there's a petition to get NASH BRIDGES on to DVD, I'll be the first to sign.
F
25.2.05
The Ballad of Vinny and Sean (aka UNHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH UH UH UH UHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH)
I have many heroes. We all should. But one of my true New York heroes, and he'll be the first to tell you (as he has clothing proclaiming that), is Mr. Vincent Gallo. Possibly considered by you to be a lunatic half ass who got some hipster actress (one of my neighbors actually) to blow him on film, but considered by G and I to be a genius who's every artistic venture (i.e. music, film, painting, writing, etc) needs to be closely watched.
Upon meeting him several years ago, we found, despite his public image, he was an intelligent, sweet and charming guy. To a degree, we were possibly disappointed in a way as I think we wanted him to berate us as he did Christina Ricci in BUFFALO 66. In fact, Dan Hamill couldnt bring himself to ask his prepared question: "Is Angelica Houston a cunt?" because Gallo was THAT nice. However, I guess it's better than him being a dick to us. Also, he's been seen with the Bush twins and Asia Argento. Score.
Anyhow, Gallo is constantly seen around town by myself and others (usually the ladies of Internationalpoontang.com, who travel in hipster circles), and is a constant topic of discussion. However, he is a staple of our current New York, someone, like Lou Reed, who defines our wonderful city. Someone we need. One of our own. Possibly like Murray, but with stronger tastebuds.
Gallo's music is something we also love. His album, WHEN is a minor triumph simply because you don't expect it to be anything of quality coming from an actor, yet when it's over, you're not surprised that this genius could do this. Ash even likes it and I believe it partially inspired Ass Cobra.
Anyhow, I missed his performances last summer cause Irene and I were in Europe, so when Lurch called me in LA to tell me Gallo was performing at the soon to be possibly defunct Tonic, here in NYC, alongside frequent jam-partnet Sean Lennon, I was determined to go. While I'm shocked Lurch didn't go, I am happy that Dan Hamill, who you know as G, purchased me a ticket. And during a heavy snowfall last night, G and I went...
Simply put, after waiting an hour for them to soundcheck, thus giving us room to see Claire Danes hugging ex-boyfriend Ben Lee, who played earlier ("Great gig, I'm going home to Crudip now, bitch), The main room filled up with Yoko herself in the front row (seated by the extremely polite Gallo, who loves Yoko like a mom), and the Sean and Vinny show began.
And it was really good!! Using old rythmn boxes, vintage guitars and amps, and organ and a drum kit, the two went through a short but full set of songs that covered some of Gallo's solo stuff, some of Sean's and some collaborations in between. They were funny and earnest and I really enjoyed it. Honestly, G and I had to keep from cracking up too loudly during a few points. I particularly enjoyed Sean's excuse for their starting late: "Vinny's imported Italian shoes hadn't arrived from Fed Ex yet". Gallo, nervous and childlike at times, also had a few good lines. Gallo is a good musician, but Lennon is really good and was able to display a lot of skills on a lot of different instruments.
Anyhow, for the final song of the set, as you see to the side here, they brought up some scantily clad girlchild to spin slowly around in a circle (i.e. Gallo's various music videos, like HONEY BUNNY). of course G and I again had to contain ourselves from laughing too hard. God forbid I laugh in the fro of Strokes "guitarist" Albert Hammond JUNIOR (who's fro you can see just below the girl in the photo).
Anyhow, that was it. A nice end to a nice gig. But then the audience wanted more. And they asked nice, so Vinny and Sean decided to send everyone off with a 10 minute improv jam with special guest "vocalist" Yoko Ono. Boy did this start off good and then go straight to hell when she started "singing", or should I say "yodelling". I don't know what the fuck she was doing. She was humping the air, screaming about courage and rage or something and talking about burning things. And my GOD were G and I nudging each other trying to get the other to laugh. Sadly, I cracked, repeatedly and actually pretended to drink beer from an empty bottle just to keep myself from laughing. This is no a big venue either. As is normally the case, I would have paid money to see Ash watch this gig cause he would have loved it until the point Yoko "sings". He would have freaked the fuck out. Dan Hamill described it best as: "like someone doing a really bad rip off of the Albrect Go's" (please go to www.theaggression.com to understand what the fuck he just said).
Anyway, John Lennon, up above, forgive me, but this was just flat out silly. But you have a talented son. Really.
And through this, Gallo still remains a hero. Someday, I'll tell you the story about how I watched him abuse a bag of potato chips on the corner of Laguardia and Houston. Someday.
F
Upon meeting him several years ago, we found, despite his public image, he was an intelligent, sweet and charming guy. To a degree, we were possibly disappointed in a way as I think we wanted him to berate us as he did Christina Ricci in BUFFALO 66. In fact, Dan Hamill couldnt bring himself to ask his prepared question: "Is Angelica Houston a cunt?" because Gallo was THAT nice. However, I guess it's better than him being a dick to us. Also, he's been seen with the Bush twins and Asia Argento. Score.
Anyhow, Gallo is constantly seen around town by myself and others (usually the ladies of Internationalpoontang.com, who travel in hipster circles), and is a constant topic of discussion. However, he is a staple of our current New York, someone, like Lou Reed, who defines our wonderful city. Someone we need. One of our own. Possibly like Murray, but with stronger tastebuds.
Gallo's music is something we also love. His album, WHEN is a minor triumph simply because you don't expect it to be anything of quality coming from an actor, yet when it's over, you're not surprised that this genius could do this. Ash even likes it and I believe it partially inspired Ass Cobra.
Anyhow, I missed his performances last summer cause Irene and I were in Europe, so when Lurch called me in LA to tell me Gallo was performing at the soon to be possibly defunct Tonic, here in NYC, alongside frequent jam-partnet Sean Lennon, I was determined to go. While I'm shocked Lurch didn't go, I am happy that Dan Hamill, who you know as G, purchased me a ticket. And during a heavy snowfall last night, G and I went...
Simply put, after waiting an hour for them to soundcheck, thus giving us room to see Claire Danes hugging ex-boyfriend Ben Lee, who played earlier ("Great gig, I'm going home to Crudip now, bitch), The main room filled up with Yoko herself in the front row (seated by the extremely polite Gallo, who loves Yoko like a mom), and the Sean and Vinny show began.
And it was really good!! Using old rythmn boxes, vintage guitars and amps, and organ and a drum kit, the two went through a short but full set of songs that covered some of Gallo's solo stuff, some of Sean's and some collaborations in between. They were funny and earnest and I really enjoyed it. Honestly, G and I had to keep from cracking up too loudly during a few points. I particularly enjoyed Sean's excuse for their starting late: "Vinny's imported Italian shoes hadn't arrived from Fed Ex yet". Gallo, nervous and childlike at times, also had a few good lines. Gallo is a good musician, but Lennon is really good and was able to display a lot of skills on a lot of different instruments.
Anyhow, for the final song of the set, as you see to the side here, they brought up some scantily clad girlchild to spin slowly around in a circle (i.e. Gallo's various music videos, like HONEY BUNNY). of course G and I again had to contain ourselves from laughing too hard. God forbid I laugh in the fro of Strokes "guitarist" Albert Hammond JUNIOR (who's fro you can see just below the girl in the photo).
Anyhow, that was it. A nice end to a nice gig. But then the audience wanted more. And they asked nice, so Vinny and Sean decided to send everyone off with a 10 minute improv jam with special guest "vocalist" Yoko Ono. Boy did this start off good and then go straight to hell when she started "singing", or should I say "yodelling". I don't know what the fuck she was doing. She was humping the air, screaming about courage and rage or something and talking about burning things. And my GOD were G and I nudging each other trying to get the other to laugh. Sadly, I cracked, repeatedly and actually pretended to drink beer from an empty bottle just to keep myself from laughing. This is no a big venue either. As is normally the case, I would have paid money to see Ash watch this gig cause he would have loved it until the point Yoko "sings". He would have freaked the fuck out. Dan Hamill described it best as: "like someone doing a really bad rip off of the Albrect Go's" (please go to www.theaggression.com to understand what the fuck he just said).
Anyway, John Lennon, up above, forgive me, but this was just flat out silly. But you have a talented son. Really.
And through this, Gallo still remains a hero. Someday, I'll tell you the story about how I watched him abuse a bag of potato chips on the corner of Laguardia and Houston. Someday.
F
23.2.05
Dear...
This is a new semi-regular thing, similar to "What I've learned from...", in which I write an open letter to someone...here is the first one...
Dear BRANDT:
You were totally right about Echo and the Bunnymen's WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH YOUR LIFE and I was dead wrong. While I never hated it, in fact, I really liked it, but only now do I truly realize that it is truly a classic album worthy of the Bunnymen legacy. I think I was pissed at the time that Les had left the band (again), Will is barely on it, theres a cameo from Fun Lovin' Criminals (hideous), and it didn't rock as hard as I wanted it to, but it's genius. Your standing by this album is noble. Kudos to you for not allowing my overblown melodramatic and occasionally wrong opinions override your young and previously impressionable mind.
Fucking amazing record. It's good thing Hypefactor has recorded a record that's better (Cue anonymous self-indulgent egomaniacal prick comments)
Impatiently,
F.
Dear BRANDT:
You were totally right about Echo and the Bunnymen's WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH YOUR LIFE and I was dead wrong. While I never hated it, in fact, I really liked it, but only now do I truly realize that it is truly a classic album worthy of the Bunnymen legacy. I think I was pissed at the time that Les had left the band (again), Will is barely on it, theres a cameo from Fun Lovin' Criminals (hideous), and it didn't rock as hard as I wanted it to, but it's genius. Your standing by this album is noble. Kudos to you for not allowing my overblown melodramatic and occasionally wrong opinions override your young and previously impressionable mind.
Fucking amazing record. It's good thing Hypefactor has recorded a record that's better (Cue anonymous self-indulgent egomaniacal prick comments)
Impatiently,
F.
19.2.05
Hang the DJ
As you can see from a few of the below posts, I was the "celebrity" DJ last night for Dorg, Liz and Brandt's 3 way Birthday bash at Lucky Jacks. I use the word DJ very loosely, as it was just me and my laptop picking songs to play. No crossfading, no beat matching, or other gay shit (I say that just to provoke Ash, of course). I think it went really well and boy did the time fly! Later, they even pumped what I was spinning to the upstairs main bar, which I took as a compliment. I started at 9 and finished at 3am and I felt like I was just getting started. It was a lot of fun and a very interesting experience for me. Just like when playing with a a band, I tried hard to gague the vibe of the room and spin accordingly, and I took a few requests, mostly from the Birthday kids. I normally would not play Ministry's SO WHAT in a small room, but Liz was insisting she hear it, so I was forced to play the only version I had: a 10 minute live bootleg from 2003 with Connelly on vocals. Aces. Though I would like to DJ in a booth next time so certain hipster jackasses don't have to hover over my shoulder asking 'where's the hip hop" and I wouldn't have to be restrained from smacking a woman who has asked for some Stevie Wonder or "something happy" while The Sisters of Mercy are playing.
While I was sad irene was home with a sinus infection (and STILL laid out), I was happy to be surrounded by G, Kidd, Lurch, Matt and Murrah (who, we learned, has very weak taste buds...or so his new pick up line says). We had drinks, had fun, and when the Birthday kids are dancing to The Sweetest Soul at 3am as I closed the set, I think I can say a good time was had by all. It was nice to see old friends like Frances and Bing, see newer friends like the super fine Ms. Kathie Rose, and meet some new faces. Also, seeing The Lads drunkenly sing to Robbie Williams was a treat.
Anyhow, should you need a DJ, I'm available. I now have references ;-)
F
While I was sad irene was home with a sinus infection (and STILL laid out), I was happy to be surrounded by G, Kidd, Lurch, Matt and Murrah (who, we learned, has very weak taste buds...or so his new pick up line says). We had drinks, had fun, and when the Birthday kids are dancing to The Sweetest Soul at 3am as I closed the set, I think I can say a good time was had by all. It was nice to see old friends like Frances and Bing, see newer friends like the super fine Ms. Kathie Rose, and meet some new faces. Also, seeing The Lads drunkenly sing to Robbie Williams was a treat.
Anyhow, should you need a DJ, I'm available. I now have references ;-)
F
yea i really wouldn't be in your magazine's demographic...
...because i have weak taste buds.
- King Murray, 2/19/05
- King Murray, 2/19/05
"Can you play some Stevie Wonder?"
All I'm gonna say: Best birthday yet, with special thanks to the DJ.
18.2.05
Coast to Coast
My apologies for being so out of the loop as of late. The Left Coast kept me busy. First off, kudos to my agent/lawyer/advisor for housing Irene, our nephew and I for an entire week. In exchange for such hospitality, said agent/lawyer/advisor was dined repeatedly, including one memorable evening in which my significant other's moms made what could only be described as the best Korean meal ever fucking made. I'm downplaying it. Really. Also, apologies go out to those I didn't get to see or didn't get enough time with while in LA. That includes Leo and Shia LaBeouf. No, really.
Car accident aside (NOT my fault), it was a busy and fun trip. My nephew, of course, was the highlight, though seeing Lori Laughlin and Jessica Alba are up there. I also saw the guy from ALIAS who was doing the Garner before she slummed it to Ben, and this guy should give all short normal looking blokes hope that they too can score a chick who is taller, stronger and hotter than them. Valentines Day at Ca'Brea, where I was welcomed like I had just returned from single handedly blowing up the Death Star, was also a big bonus.
Of course, it had it's usual LA dumbass shit, but thats reserved for the part of my life that I don't write about here. However, please see Constantine tomorrow so it makes enough money for me to laugh in the face of certain executives who paid for me and my girlfriend to eat and drink for free last night. Do this as a favour to me. G might tell you otherwise, but the movie is fucking good. Long story short, I am involved with the film. Stay there long enough and you'll see my name somewhere in the credits. (Same with a certain super hero movie that opens on June 17th). A downer was the lack of a certain actress with the initials R.W. not appearing at the premiere of her own movie. At least the singer from Bush was nice. His wife however...
Anyhow, here I am, back in the big city, thank the MOG's, and going in between the new Damage Manual (Which I am unsure about this early in the listening process) and New Order (which is the first album of the year) albums as well as sifiting through tracks for my debut DJ slot tomorrow. The odds are if you're one of the few people who actually read this, you were already invited to said celebration of Brandt, Dorg and Liz's combined Bdays. Come check that shit out. I AM spinning Britney. That is not code.
Our first adventure, just hours after getting home was to check out the returning heroes, Kasabian, who were opening for The Music. Irene was a trooper, defying a sinus infection to watch Serge and Co deliver yet another fucking blazing set of madness. The crowd was kinda lame, but receptive and the band, as always, were dead on. The live versions of the songs have improved tremendously. They seem more like a band playing than replicating the album. They didn't have enough room to move around on the stage but they gave the usual 200% and we left happy campers. The Kasabians return for 2 nights at Bowery in May. Tickets OBTAINED.
Musically, I remain focused on the Chemlab remix album. I'm not allowed to discuss whom the remixers are, but I think the machine rock fans who follow that genre of music are gonna want this sucker. I have to mixes in and they are unique and exciting and not what you expect. Sorta like Jared. Anyhow, there's more to do on this record, including a possible new contribution from yours truly and getting more kits out. I'll keep you posted.
Anyhow, I'm fading, so sleep well my friends.
F
Car accident aside (NOT my fault), it was a busy and fun trip. My nephew, of course, was the highlight, though seeing Lori Laughlin and Jessica Alba are up there. I also saw the guy from ALIAS who was doing the Garner before she slummed it to Ben, and this guy should give all short normal looking blokes hope that they too can score a chick who is taller, stronger and hotter than them. Valentines Day at Ca'Brea, where I was welcomed like I had just returned from single handedly blowing up the Death Star, was also a big bonus.
Of course, it had it's usual LA dumbass shit, but thats reserved for the part of my life that I don't write about here. However, please see Constantine tomorrow so it makes enough money for me to laugh in the face of certain executives who paid for me and my girlfriend to eat and drink for free last night. Do this as a favour to me. G might tell you otherwise, but the movie is fucking good. Long story short, I am involved with the film. Stay there long enough and you'll see my name somewhere in the credits. (Same with a certain super hero movie that opens on June 17th). A downer was the lack of a certain actress with the initials R.W. not appearing at the premiere of her own movie. At least the singer from Bush was nice. His wife however...
Anyhow, here I am, back in the big city, thank the MOG's, and going in between the new Damage Manual (Which I am unsure about this early in the listening process) and New Order (which is the first album of the year) albums as well as sifiting through tracks for my debut DJ slot tomorrow. The odds are if you're one of the few people who actually read this, you were already invited to said celebration of Brandt, Dorg and Liz's combined Bdays. Come check that shit out. I AM spinning Britney. That is not code.
Our first adventure, just hours after getting home was to check out the returning heroes, Kasabian, who were opening for The Music. Irene was a trooper, defying a sinus infection to watch Serge and Co deliver yet another fucking blazing set of madness. The crowd was kinda lame, but receptive and the band, as always, were dead on. The live versions of the songs have improved tremendously. They seem more like a band playing than replicating the album. They didn't have enough room to move around on the stage but they gave the usual 200% and we left happy campers. The Kasabians return for 2 nights at Bowery in May. Tickets OBTAINED.
Musically, I remain focused on the Chemlab remix album. I'm not allowed to discuss whom the remixers are, but I think the machine rock fans who follow that genre of music are gonna want this sucker. I have to mixes in and they are unique and exciting and not what you expect. Sorta like Jared. Anyhow, there's more to do on this record, including a possible new contribution from yours truly and getting more kits out. I'll keep you posted.
Anyhow, I'm fading, so sleep well my friends.
F
14.2.05
Corporate memo...
From the desk of the Singer -
The singer reports from LA that he was in a minor car accident, bought some jeans, put his nephew in the trunk, listened to the new order album, received chemlab remixes, sighted jessica alba and lori laughlin (not together) and that's it so far.
And hung out with vik taco and ate bobs donuts (not code)
**End transmission**
The singer reports from LA that he was in a minor car accident, bought some jeans, put his nephew in the trunk, listened to the new order album, received chemlab remixes, sighted jessica alba and lori laughlin (not together) and that's it so far.
And hung out with vik taco and ate bobs donuts (not code)
**End transmission**
9.2.05
The Herp
Some additional readings:
http://www.torr.org/blog/2004/12/carlos-d-has-herpes.html
http://www.thestraightandnarrow.net/
http://jaybelingavecarlosdherpes.blogspot.com/
Sadly, http://carosdhasherpes.blogspot.com is no longer active.
http://www.torr.org/blog/2004/12/carlos-d-has-herpes.html
http://www.thestraightandnarrow.net/
http://jaybelingavecarlosdherpes.blogspot.com/
Sadly, http://carosdhasherpes.blogspot.com is no longer active.
Carlos H!
"just say that mattagement came across this when checking his friendster fanbase or some bullshit like that"
Thats all you need.
F
Thats all you need.
F
8.2.05
A Quick Peep
Further on the Oasis show at Madison Square Garden...I still didn't believe it was actually happening, but then Irene pointed out that posters for the gig had started appearing on a building outside our apartment. To further prove that this seemingly impossible gig is not something of mine or Noel Gallagher's imagination...I now have tickets to this gig thanks to Mr. Dan Hamill who was alerted to a very obscure presale this morning via the official website. He informed me just as I was about to get to the gym. Luckily, he found me, and the Stewart Manor All Stars displayed the teamwork that destroyed the weak while playing Celebrity two Saturday ago and were able to obtain seats that are so insanely close on the floor that Danny can scream WHO THE FUCK IS ANDY BELL!? and the bassist will probably hear him. I don't think irony comes into play when I tell you we will be in row G on in the dead center of the floor.
I think at this point I must accept that this gig is happening. My credit card tells me so.
F
I think at this point I must accept that this gig is happening. My credit card tells me so.
F
The Late Movie
The BAD NEWS BEARS was the best shit ever. A true classic. Even though they are going to remake it with Billy Bob Thorton in the Mattheau role, it can never be as good as this. Especially in the tight ass world we live in today.
F
F
6.2.05
Return to Dresden...
If Dresden is a lot like Queens, then we were having ourselves a bit of a lads night out last night in Germany. Though Ash was missing (because someone's gotta work on the music), tallness was represented by Lurch. "The Irregulars" aka G and The Kidd took us deep into the heart of their new adopted homeland of Queens for a night of laughs and pints. Our first stop saw us having a very large dinner at a new restaurant that G had found earlier that day: Angie's at 41-46 54th Street Woodside, Queens (718.651.2277)
Here's something I pulled from the net about the place: "After paying his dues at Cipriani, Town, and Norma's at Le Parker Meridien, 28-year-old Angel Hernandez has opened Angie's in a different emerging neighborhood -- Woodside, Queens. There, Hernandez puts out diverse plates like herb-roasted galletto with polenta and Mayan shrimp with coconut rice and tostones. Also check out the art on display (and for sale) at Angie's, which is from the collection of the Queens Museum and includes the work of many New York artists."
My shorter review was that it was really fucking excellent. Lot's of free apps and chef creations and just solid, tasty and clever food. We had a blast. We also had a lot of laughs thanks to a large party of Canadians seated near us. You know us, we get a lot of mileage out of this, especially when the superpatriot Mattagement shows up for desset. Anyway, this was a classy, super meal that reminded me of our trips abroad. Aces.
Then we drank at some Irish bar with some of the Kidd's people. While nothing noteworthy came out of this portion of the evening, (most likely due to the Kidd not drinking), it was just a good night out with the lads downing pints. But then the pub ran out of Stella at about 2 or 3, so that became a problem.
As G would say, it was quite the "EXPERI-ONCE".
And now there is a ton of new music to digest.
F
Here's something I pulled from the net about the place: "After paying his dues at Cipriani, Town, and Norma's at Le Parker Meridien, 28-year-old Angel Hernandez has opened Angie's in a different emerging neighborhood -- Woodside, Queens. There, Hernandez puts out diverse plates like herb-roasted galletto with polenta and Mayan shrimp with coconut rice and tostones. Also check out the art on display (and for sale) at Angie's, which is from the collection of the Queens Museum and includes the work of many New York artists."
My shorter review was that it was really fucking excellent. Lot's of free apps and chef creations and just solid, tasty and clever food. We had a blast. We also had a lot of laughs thanks to a large party of Canadians seated near us. You know us, we get a lot of mileage out of this, especially when the superpatriot Mattagement shows up for desset. Anyway, this was a classy, super meal that reminded me of our trips abroad. Aces.
Then we drank at some Irish bar with some of the Kidd's people. While nothing noteworthy came out of this portion of the evening, (most likely due to the Kidd not drinking), it was just a good night out with the lads downing pints. But then the pub ran out of Stella at about 2 or 3, so that became a problem.
As G would say, it was quite the "EXPERI-ONCE".
And now there is a ton of new music to digest.
F
4.2.05
Freetime
Leave it to the always awesome Hooky to make me laugh out loud;
"Anyway, my big problem has always been what to do when the band isn't working. The first singer dies and the next singer won't play live. At the moment I'm doing a thing with Mani [Primal Scream/Stone Roses] and Andy Rourke, whom Morrissey fired from the Smiths with a Post-It on his windscreen. We're calling ourselves Freebass 'cos they're songs with three basses. Mani's got the same problem as me in that Primal Scream don't play live enough, so he got me into DJing. We did this one in Barcelona. He was trolleyed and scratching the records. I was going, "Mani, the record's not on!" The punters were complaining and he was throwing records at them. It's a poor substitute for gigging and I can't imagine why someone would go to a club and have someone aged 49 playing records but it keeps me young and it's a good laugh."
With broken computers, no live shows, and a DJ slot forthcoming, I relate to all of this in ways I didn't even realize...
F
"Anyway, my big problem has always been what to do when the band isn't working. The first singer dies and the next singer won't play live. At the moment I'm doing a thing with Mani [Primal Scream/Stone Roses] and Andy Rourke, whom Morrissey fired from the Smiths with a Post-It on his windscreen. We're calling ourselves Freebass 'cos they're songs with three basses. Mani's got the same problem as me in that Primal Scream don't play live enough, so he got me into DJing. We did this one in Barcelona. He was trolleyed and scratching the records. I was going, "Mani, the record's not on!" The punters were complaining and he was throwing records at them. It's a poor substitute for gigging and I can't imagine why someone would go to a club and have someone aged 49 playing records but it keeps me young and it's a good laugh."
With broken computers, no live shows, and a DJ slot forthcoming, I relate to all of this in ways I didn't even realize...
F
Don't believe the Truth
I just did my morning check of the NME and I was shocked to read this:
"OASIS are to play a huge NEW YORK date, NME.COM can exclusively reveal. The band, who will tour the UK in June and July, will also play at the New York Madison Square Garden on June 22. Support at the show will come from Jet. Tickets go on sale on February 12."
Now, either they aren't touring the states this year to support the new album and this is their only US show or Noel has truly flipped his fucking wig big time. Don't get me wrong...I love this band to death, they are one of my all time favourites and I will go see them anywhere at anytime, but this seems awfully ambitious. But as Mr. G just pointed out to me, I'll be there in a fucking heartbeat. While I love the current wave of Britrock, and I feel there are a finally a few contenders to the throne, no one can topple the Gallaghers. But for fucks sake, this new album better be good. Save us Gem and Andy!
F
"OASIS are to play a huge NEW YORK date, NME.COM can exclusively reveal. The band, who will tour the UK in June and July, will also play at the New York Madison Square Garden on June 22. Support at the show will come from Jet. Tickets go on sale on February 12."
Now, either they aren't touring the states this year to support the new album and this is their only US show or Noel has truly flipped his fucking wig big time. Don't get me wrong...I love this band to death, they are one of my all time favourites and I will go see them anywhere at anytime, but this seems awfully ambitious. But as Mr. G just pointed out to me, I'll be there in a fucking heartbeat. While I love the current wave of Britrock, and I feel there are a finally a few contenders to the throne, no one can topple the Gallaghers. But for fucks sake, this new album better be good. Save us Gem and Andy!
F
3.2.05
"WHERE'S MY ICE CREAM!"
Someone feels negelected, so here he is! Russia, 2003. Ash had rehearsed some dance moves to go along with the set (assisted by G), and this was his dance interpretation of ROOM 131's lyric "My God has made you pink and tight". Sadly, these moves never made it back to the States, but you know the band IS called Ass Cobra, so we'll see. Note Angy Ellie's influence...Sucks being so tall and in demand.
"I just want to play KAMIKAZI"
This is actually a true story: While walking down Fifth Avenue today listening to the aggression (prompted by Mattagement to do so, just for the record), I literally walked right into the aggression's drummer in the middle of 16th Street. This is not the first time I have randomly encountered the wonderful Ms. Emmet, but it is nevertheless always a treat to spend some quality time with someone so lovely, talented and jangly. And just so you know, she looks downright hot in beige.
She, like me, is baffled as to where the Hypefactor album is, but had a good laugh when she heard what I was listening to on the IPOD. We briefly touched on "The Big A" and somehow during all this, the above quote came out of her mouth. I assured her that she will play that song again in her lifetime.
I wasn't lying.
F
She, like me, is baffled as to where the Hypefactor album is, but had a good laugh when she heard what I was listening to on the IPOD. We briefly touched on "The Big A" and somehow during all this, the above quote came out of her mouth. I assured her that she will play that song again in her lifetime.
I wasn't lying.
F
2.2.05
Hustled
In this, the year 2005, I have many highly anticipated movies that I am excited about. I've gone into detail on these select films (i.e. STAR WARS, BATMAN, etc), but I was just able to (illegally of course) see my most anticipated Hong Kong film of 2005...KUNG FU HUSTLE, written, directed and supposedly starring the genius known as Stephen Chow. Chow is famous nowadays for writing, directing and starring in the now legendary SHAOLIN SOCCER and he is also responsible for one of the few moments in my life where I completly went fanboy and acted like a starstruck idiot upon meeting him. That only happened before when I met Morrissey. Luckily, he was nice, but I think I scared the shit out of him (this is a story for another time).
Anyhow, HUSTLE, which is his most ambitious film to date, is Chow's homage to the Kung Fu genre, while making fun of recent films like THE MATRIX, SPIDERMAN, and even his own SHAOLIN SOCCER. His love of the kung fu genre is obvious and while he shows he can handle a larger budget and direct some incredible and hilarious action sequences in HUSTLE, he sadly, for the first time in years, loses touch with what made him great...the ability to relate to him as an everyman. The story and characters are so underdeveloped I was beginning to wonder if he even had a script here or just pieced a bunch of scenes together as he went. Now, with SHAOLIN SOCCER and his previous and even funnier film KING OF COMEDY (a big favourite here), we know he can tell a story. But here, it seems as though Chow is so excited to be working with a group of Kung Fu stars from yesteryear (including the wonderful Yuen Wah) that he forgets to put himself in the fucking movie! He's barely in it and it's his movie!
What's weird is that all the elements of a great Chow movie are there. There are some VERY funny bits, and even a super dance sequence, but by just about ignoring his character with the exception of a few flashbacks, the film is never grounded. It should have been built around him and it never quite clicks.
Look, a so so Chow movie is better than most other people's careers. But they wanted this to be his big breakthrough movie here and it has very little of the mainstream appeal SHAOLIN SOCCER has, which sucks. His homage to the genre is pure and his comedic flair is evident that he has really come into his own as a director. I'll still check it out on the big screen and give it a second chance. I laughed a lot and loved the action but without the emotional core the film needed, I feel kinda, well, hustled.
F
Anyhow, HUSTLE, which is his most ambitious film to date, is Chow's homage to the Kung Fu genre, while making fun of recent films like THE MATRIX, SPIDERMAN, and even his own SHAOLIN SOCCER. His love of the kung fu genre is obvious and while he shows he can handle a larger budget and direct some incredible and hilarious action sequences in HUSTLE, he sadly, for the first time in years, loses touch with what made him great...the ability to relate to him as an everyman. The story and characters are so underdeveloped I was beginning to wonder if he even had a script here or just pieced a bunch of scenes together as he went. Now, with SHAOLIN SOCCER and his previous and even funnier film KING OF COMEDY (a big favourite here), we know he can tell a story. But here, it seems as though Chow is so excited to be working with a group of Kung Fu stars from yesteryear (including the wonderful Yuen Wah) that he forgets to put himself in the fucking movie! He's barely in it and it's his movie!
What's weird is that all the elements of a great Chow movie are there. There are some VERY funny bits, and even a super dance sequence, but by just about ignoring his character with the exception of a few flashbacks, the film is never grounded. It should have been built around him and it never quite clicks.
Look, a so so Chow movie is better than most other people's careers. But they wanted this to be his big breakthrough movie here and it has very little of the mainstream appeal SHAOLIN SOCCER has, which sucks. His homage to the genre is pure and his comedic flair is evident that he has really come into his own as a director. I'll still check it out on the big screen and give it a second chance. I laughed a lot and loved the action but without the emotional core the film needed, I feel kinda, well, hustled.
F
1.2.05
Tucker Revisited
Today, out of the blue, a nice letter popped up in my E-mailbox from a gentleman by the name of Pat Ogle, who some of you might know from his work in the goth band Thanatos. I have never met him nor spoken with him before, but he dropped me a nice note complimenting me on a eulogy I had written for the late William Tucker when he passed away about six years ago. Pat had worked with Tucker in his later years on an excellent album called BLISTERS, which was mentioned in the eulogy. Anyhow, it was a very nice note and we've traded some E-mails reminicing about the late guitar hero. It was fun to think about the awesome and entertaining Tucker. It's the second time Tucker's name has come up lately. In the interview I did with rockstarjournalism, I compared my friend Jamie Duffy to William Tucker in his wonderful contributions to a small scene.
Anyhow, I originally wrote the piece for theaggression.com (pre-blog obviously) and it was later picked up by true fan called Mark Weddle who wanted to do something to celebrate the life of Tucker. To that effect, he created a tribute site where you can read what I wrote along with lots of other people who loved Tucker as well. It's a super website and has everythig you will ever need to know about the life of a truly good guy and great musician. Go. Now. Learn.
http://members.cox.net/_meddle/tucker/
I was always disappointed I was never able to work with Tucker. But then, in a weird but exciting way, an indirect opportunity presented itself when Jared gave me a tape containing guitar parts Tucker had done for EAST SIDE MILITIA that no one had ever heard before. Jared suggested we use something from it for Chemlab. Go get your copy of OXIDIZER and pop on the opening track PINKSUTURE and you'll hear the fruits of my labour. It was a nice treat to at least have that.
I miss you, you rotten fucker.
F
Anyhow, I originally wrote the piece for theaggression.com (pre-blog obviously) and it was later picked up by true fan called Mark Weddle who wanted to do something to celebrate the life of Tucker. To that effect, he created a tribute site where you can read what I wrote along with lots of other people who loved Tucker as well. It's a super website and has everythig you will ever need to know about the life of a truly good guy and great musician. Go. Now. Learn.
http://members.cox.net/_meddle/tucker/
I was always disappointed I was never able to work with Tucker. But then, in a weird but exciting way, an indirect opportunity presented itself when Jared gave me a tape containing guitar parts Tucker had done for EAST SIDE MILITIA that no one had ever heard before. Jared suggested we use something from it for Chemlab. Go get your copy of OXIDIZER and pop on the opening track PINKSUTURE and you'll hear the fruits of my labour. It was a nice treat to at least have that.
I miss you, you rotten fucker.
F