26.4.05
23.4.05
TURN OFF THAT POOPY BRAT
Swimming through the haze of Jet Lag, I'm trying to figure out where I left off on this thing...
The night before heading out to LA, joined by my lovely significant other, my bandmate, my former roommate and a former TGIF Fridays host (Mattagement was elsewhere in the building), we saw the triumphant Durans return to Madison Square Garden for the first time in 21 years. Everything comes full circle. Emotions were high and the gig was phenomenal. Though it couldn't match the intensity and intimacy of the Webster Hall gig last year, additions of songs like Chauffeur and the long lost instrumental Tiger Tiger made the gig a memorable experience. I still can't believe how good they look and how well they played. They had an excellent stage set as well as a super background video presentation (which ended with a great Duran anime cartoon). They also had the single greatest tour program ever (and for $45 it was totally worth it, believe it or not).
Ok now on to LA: for those who are interested in this kinda thing, I had some excellent celeb sightings that even for a jaded bicoastaler like myself were quite enjoyable. They included Eliza Dushku (meaty perfection), Al Pacino (in FULL gimmick mode), the singer from AFI (eating like a champ), Mia Kirshner (freaky hot), and funny man Steve Correll (drives a sweet Benz). I think I saw some more, but I don't recall at the moment. Oh I saw the CSI woman, who is milf hot in person, and this is like the 80th time I have seen her.
Late last Saturday night, I took my 6 year old nephew to see KUNG FU HUSTLE. I hadn't seen it in a theatre and even though it was rated R, Irene and I, having both seen the film, felt he could see it. Man did this kid love this movie. I'm not allowed back in LA without my SHAOLIN SOCCER DVD. Anyway, it's even better on the big screen!
I know I wrote about my nephew and his extreme Ash-like hatred for Nine Inch Nails. I failed to mention that days later, when my lawyer/agent/advisor was watching TV a commercial for WITH TEETH came on featuring the single and my nephew, not even looking up from my laptop which he had commandeered in order to play games, said "That's that selfish poopy brat, isn't it?"
Anyway, I am pleased with the NIN record. I like it a lot. I'm not in love with it, but I certainly don't hate it and I think the song that pissed my nephew off, ONLY, is pure genius pop music. The thing with this record, and I know it's intentional on TR (not Todd Ryan)'s part was to do a simple album and not the epic of the previous ones. However, this approach, after waiting how many years, makes the album, which IS good, a let down. You expect and event and instead you get, well, an album. I also think the lack of instrumentals and atmosphere of the previous stuff is missing. This record could have benefited from some more rip offs of Bowie's LOW. For the record, Dave Grohl gives this record it's balls, cause it's certainly not TR's lyrics (though his vocals are quite good).
Just when I thought the NIN album would keep me occupied, some select trax from the new Oasis album, DON'T BELIEVE THE TRUTH, leaked and came my way. And guess what, it doesn't suck at all. Not that I ever thought Oasis have sucked, but this is GREAT. The single, LYLA, is possibly the worst choice they have ever made for a lead off single, but in the context of other songs it fits perfect. I thought the other songs were miles better, and I didn't dislike LYLA to begin with. Noel's song MUCKY FINGERS might be his best. I'm not gonna call it a comeback, cause they didn't really go away, but I will say that the redefinition of Oasis as a musical force in British music begins here. Row G at the Garden in June suddenly becomes much more interesting.
The HF update:
In the most exciting musical news of my trip, I spent an evening with Leo (he formerly of Virus 23 and currently of the excellent AM Pacific, who are making, ahem, waves in LA at the moment) prepping the mix down of the Hypefactor song ONE.NINE.FIVE.SIX (1956 from here on out). To hear it with the vocals start to come together made the hair on the back of my head stand up. It's very exciting. While I was clowning around in LA, Charles got into the Birdcage and laid down a new bassline for this track (as well as SOLAR), and I'm told it's fucking phenomenal. I'm actually the only one who hasn't heard it, but I trust Charles implicitly and love him just on the basis that he would call me in LA to tell me Peter Hook is on the cover of the new issue of Bass Player. Respect.
Anyway, any progress is good progress, so we might have some mixes soon. I'm at work on my mix of THEY'VE JUST which goes slowly because of time and because I am teaching myself the Live software as I go. I'm getting used to it, getting better at it, but I need the current version, which seems much more user friendly. That's my next purchase.
Speaking of purchases, I also have my new bass P.O.D, which arrived the day before I left and that I am itching to get on. Brandt is off to Chicago this coming week for a bit, so I'm gonna grab my Thunderbird and start getting this POD into shape. Love it.
More Music:
More Chemlab remixes pour in. Right now I have a favourite from someone I can't reveal, but the NEW fave that came in is from the UK's own Needleye who did an excellent remix for the aggression as well. I begged my dear friend Gilez to have them remix Chemlab cause their remixes are SO good. This remix project, which is going to be two discs will make the faithful very happy.
Rob at the aggression's label Digital Brothel informs me that they are ready to roll with REVISIONIST HISTORY. Well that's great except that I don't have the two last remixes. However, Rob, who we will call Hoggy, has heard one of them and should have it to me soon. Hopefully it is of the non suck variety and we can get this record out asap. Sean, are you listening, son?
Anyway, I'm shocked I wrote this much with my head feeling like Serge Pizzorno's right now (go check out NME.com to see what that means).
More sooner than later.
Your Hero,
F
The night before heading out to LA, joined by my lovely significant other, my bandmate, my former roommate and a former TGIF Fridays host (Mattagement was elsewhere in the building), we saw the triumphant Durans return to Madison Square Garden for the first time in 21 years. Everything comes full circle. Emotions were high and the gig was phenomenal. Though it couldn't match the intensity and intimacy of the Webster Hall gig last year, additions of songs like Chauffeur and the long lost instrumental Tiger Tiger made the gig a memorable experience. I still can't believe how good they look and how well they played. They had an excellent stage set as well as a super background video presentation (which ended with a great Duran anime cartoon). They also had the single greatest tour program ever (and for $45 it was totally worth it, believe it or not).
Ok now on to LA: for those who are interested in this kinda thing, I had some excellent celeb sightings that even for a jaded bicoastaler like myself were quite enjoyable. They included Eliza Dushku (meaty perfection), Al Pacino (in FULL gimmick mode), the singer from AFI (eating like a champ), Mia Kirshner (freaky hot), and funny man Steve Correll (drives a sweet Benz). I think I saw some more, but I don't recall at the moment. Oh I saw the CSI woman, who is milf hot in person, and this is like the 80th time I have seen her.
Late last Saturday night, I took my 6 year old nephew to see KUNG FU HUSTLE. I hadn't seen it in a theatre and even though it was rated R, Irene and I, having both seen the film, felt he could see it. Man did this kid love this movie. I'm not allowed back in LA without my SHAOLIN SOCCER DVD. Anyway, it's even better on the big screen!
I know I wrote about my nephew and his extreme Ash-like hatred for Nine Inch Nails. I failed to mention that days later, when my lawyer/agent/advisor was watching TV a commercial for WITH TEETH came on featuring the single and my nephew, not even looking up from my laptop which he had commandeered in order to play games, said "That's that selfish poopy brat, isn't it?"
Anyway, I am pleased with the NIN record. I like it a lot. I'm not in love with it, but I certainly don't hate it and I think the song that pissed my nephew off, ONLY, is pure genius pop music. The thing with this record, and I know it's intentional on TR (not Todd Ryan)'s part was to do a simple album and not the epic of the previous ones. However, this approach, after waiting how many years, makes the album, which IS good, a let down. You expect and event and instead you get, well, an album. I also think the lack of instrumentals and atmosphere of the previous stuff is missing. This record could have benefited from some more rip offs of Bowie's LOW. For the record, Dave Grohl gives this record it's balls, cause it's certainly not TR's lyrics (though his vocals are quite good).
Just when I thought the NIN album would keep me occupied, some select trax from the new Oasis album, DON'T BELIEVE THE TRUTH, leaked and came my way. And guess what, it doesn't suck at all. Not that I ever thought Oasis have sucked, but this is GREAT. The single, LYLA, is possibly the worst choice they have ever made for a lead off single, but in the context of other songs it fits perfect. I thought the other songs were miles better, and I didn't dislike LYLA to begin with. Noel's song MUCKY FINGERS might be his best. I'm not gonna call it a comeback, cause they didn't really go away, but I will say that the redefinition of Oasis as a musical force in British music begins here. Row G at the Garden in June suddenly becomes much more interesting.
The HF update:
In the most exciting musical news of my trip, I spent an evening with Leo (he formerly of Virus 23 and currently of the excellent AM Pacific, who are making, ahem, waves in LA at the moment) prepping the mix down of the Hypefactor song ONE.NINE.FIVE.SIX (1956 from here on out). To hear it with the vocals start to come together made the hair on the back of my head stand up. It's very exciting. While I was clowning around in LA, Charles got into the Birdcage and laid down a new bassline for this track (as well as SOLAR), and I'm told it's fucking phenomenal. I'm actually the only one who hasn't heard it, but I trust Charles implicitly and love him just on the basis that he would call me in LA to tell me Peter Hook is on the cover of the new issue of Bass Player. Respect.
Anyway, any progress is good progress, so we might have some mixes soon. I'm at work on my mix of THEY'VE JUST which goes slowly because of time and because I am teaching myself the Live software as I go. I'm getting used to it, getting better at it, but I need the current version, which seems much more user friendly. That's my next purchase.
Speaking of purchases, I also have my new bass P.O.D, which arrived the day before I left and that I am itching to get on. Brandt is off to Chicago this coming week for a bit, so I'm gonna grab my Thunderbird and start getting this POD into shape. Love it.
More Music:
More Chemlab remixes pour in. Right now I have a favourite from someone I can't reveal, but the NEW fave that came in is from the UK's own Needleye who did an excellent remix for the aggression as well. I begged my dear friend Gilez to have them remix Chemlab cause their remixes are SO good. This remix project, which is going to be two discs will make the faithful very happy.
Rob at the aggression's label Digital Brothel informs me that they are ready to roll with REVISIONIST HISTORY. Well that's great except that I don't have the two last remixes. However, Rob, who we will call Hoggy, has heard one of them and should have it to me soon. Hopefully it is of the non suck variety and we can get this record out asap. Sean, are you listening, son?
Anyway, I'm shocked I wrote this much with my head feeling like Serge Pizzorno's right now (go check out NME.com to see what that means).
More sooner than later.
Your Hero,
F
16.4.05
With Teeth Reviewed (by a 7 year old)
I have WITH TEETH on, which I shouldn't, but I do regardless, here in LA. Anyway, my hilarious nephew, who is now singing the track ONLY outloud offers the following commentary:
"The guy who is singing this is a stinking poopy little stupid brat"
Ash, you two will get along.
F
"The guy who is singing this is a stinking poopy little stupid brat"
Ash, you two will get along.
F
13.4.05
I DECLARE!
This is possibly the best news I have read all year:
Release date of UNDECLARED DVD!!!!
Posted By: JUDD APATOW
Posted On: 03/30/2005
The DVD is coming out in late August. We have been working really hard on it. it has tons of deleted moments, auditions, rehearsals, an unaired episode, a hilarious script we didn't get to shoot and some footage of Loudon Wainwright live. More info to come...
This is easily one my most anticipated DVD's EVER. Score.
Make's a GREAT Birthday Present! HINT
F
Release date of UNDECLARED DVD!!!!
Posted By: JUDD APATOW
Posted On: 03/30/2005
The DVD is coming out in late August. We have been working really hard on it. it has tons of deleted moments, auditions, rehearsals, an unaired episode, a hilarious script we didn't get to shoot and some footage of Loudon Wainwright live. More info to come...
This is easily one my most anticipated DVD's EVER. Score.
Make's a GREAT Birthday Present! HINT
F
12.4.05
In The Mix
The usual insanity has kept me from sitting in front of this laptop and writing to you. We've been kicking into overdrive here at MOGworld on many different fronts. This past weekend saw me spending a lot of time in the Birdcage with Brandt. the mix files are coming together and the first few tracks have been sent to the mixers. Hopefully, the results will be nothing short of astronomical. Some of the mixing will be happening in Los Angeles, where I just happen to be travelling to on Thursday for a week. Hopefully, I'll be able to blog up a first hand report.
As Brandt continues to get the files together, I've been taking a crash course in finally learning how to use Abelton Live so i can actually help save some time and actually learn to use this fucker. Brandt's been a patient instructor, even stopping in here at MOGworld to answer my questions and check on my progress. So far so good. A conference call with Ash on Saturday also helped. In the meantime, my intention is to cut my teeth on Live with our instrumental, THEY'VE JUST. I know I'll fuck up a bit in the beginning, but the more I'm using this shit, the easier it's getting. I'm on a slightly older version of the software, and normally I would throw down the cash for the new software, but I just purchased my new Bass POD (Thanks Allie), and that's gonna be my focus upon my return from LA.
We've put together a Hypefactor space at Myspace.com. You can learn more about the band, check out some pix, and be the first to hear the demo of one of our new songs, the excellent OUR FAITH, as well as some older HF tracks. Check it out at http://myspace.com/hypefactor
The Chemlab remix album continues to take shape, while the aggression remix is stalled thanks to two deliquient remixes. Hopefully, these leisurely remixes will be amazing and worth it. I hope. Anyhow, as soon as those come in, the record goes out and we're hoping to include a bonus disc that will contain the long rumoured (and yes it exists) aggression rarities CD as a freebie when you purchase REVISONIST HISTORY. Details forthcoming.
In the world of the other MOGpackers: My lawyer/agent/advisor was the MOGworld houseguest and I get to return that favor by being her houseguest in LA this week. She is also referred to by my nephew as "Vik Taco" for reasons we cannot disclose. Meanwhile, the Kidd has become and uncle for the second time. And in the biggest surprise, my publicist's double life as a stand up comic has not only proven to be successful, but upon seeing her act for the first time last week, I am happy to report she is shockingly funny. Kudos to Ash on the new pad, as well as Matt (though surprisingly, in separate apartments).
F
As Brandt continues to get the files together, I've been taking a crash course in finally learning how to use Abelton Live so i can actually help save some time and actually learn to use this fucker. Brandt's been a patient instructor, even stopping in here at MOGworld to answer my questions and check on my progress. So far so good. A conference call with Ash on Saturday also helped. In the meantime, my intention is to cut my teeth on Live with our instrumental, THEY'VE JUST. I know I'll fuck up a bit in the beginning, but the more I'm using this shit, the easier it's getting. I'm on a slightly older version of the software, and normally I would throw down the cash for the new software, but I just purchased my new Bass POD (Thanks Allie), and that's gonna be my focus upon my return from LA.
We've put together a Hypefactor space at Myspace.com. You can learn more about the band, check out some pix, and be the first to hear the demo of one of our new songs, the excellent OUR FAITH, as well as some older HF tracks. Check it out at http://myspace.com/hypefactor
The Chemlab remix album continues to take shape, while the aggression remix is stalled thanks to two deliquient remixes. Hopefully, these leisurely remixes will be amazing and worth it. I hope. Anyhow, as soon as those come in, the record goes out and we're hoping to include a bonus disc that will contain the long rumoured (and yes it exists) aggression rarities CD as a freebie when you purchase REVISONIST HISTORY. Details forthcoming.
In the world of the other MOGpackers: My lawyer/agent/advisor was the MOGworld houseguest and I get to return that favor by being her houseguest in LA this week. She is also referred to by my nephew as "Vik Taco" for reasons we cannot disclose. Meanwhile, the Kidd has become and uncle for the second time. And in the biggest surprise, my publicist's double life as a stand up comic has not only proven to be successful, but upon seeing her act for the first time last week, I am happy to report she is shockingly funny. Kudos to Ash on the new pad, as well as Matt (though surprisingly, in separate apartments).
F
5.4.05
"He's been watching this for 25 years, and he still doesnt know what the hell he's talking about"
Yes, Dan Hamill said the above quote during last nights excellent Wrestlemania XXI. I find it hard to say "twenty one" as I remember going to the second one very vividly. Oh well, while despite having free tickets to the Staples Center, we decided (actually Dan Hamill did) to stay in NYC and watch it at the MOG Dojo in Queens. Matt Gentile can rest easy knowing his hero, Kurt Angle, is still the greatest wrestler of all time. For the record, the culinary genius displayed by the Kidd in the former Soviet Union some time back was no fluke. Our Kidd makes a helllllluva meal. Pork, potatoes, string beans and some killer ass fig saunce. insane. Those show skipped, lost. Big.
And in various news...
*Generation J begins as the Louches have a bouncing baby Chemboy in their home. This is the best news of the year so far (getting New Order tickets comes in close second). We are all quite happy and pleased and wish the Louches the very best.
*Louche baby is keeping is daddy occupied while yours truly continues to reel in the Chemlab remixes. They are super hot, and still super top secret. Not allowed to say yet who is on the record, but there are going to be many happy Machine Rock kids out there. If you're a remixer, you missed your fucking deadline, but you can thank the Louche baby for extending the deadline a bit.
*SIN CITY is nothing short of excellent brilliant filmmaking. It's a triumph for comic book fans everywhere and a movie that I've seen twice and loved more with each viewing. Mickey Rourke's 20 years of promise finally realized thanks to a comic book. Amazing. And my old pal Bruce Willis is the emotional anchor of the whole thing. Just an amazing film. See it.
*April 2nd came and with it came all the Episode 3 merchandise. I behaved. I only bought the books ($135 worth AFTER the discount) and have successfully avoided ruining what little of the film I haven't spoiled for myself already. I know way too much, I don't care. We're in the home stretch and yes, I'm the guy you will all be asking "wait what did that mean" after you have all seen it next month. You're welcome.
*I'm counting the days till all over the aggression remixes are in for the album. Two are left: Cyanotic and VTG. I name them simply to call them out to move their asses. However, they all seem to be reasonably nice people who will do an awesome job on the mixes, so I can't bust balls too much. However, I long for the day, coming soon, in which that aggression CD is in our grubby hands.
*But that hasn't stopped me from making my way on a semi regular basis to The Birdcage to watch Brandt put the mixing files together. First round is being Fed Ex'd tomorrow to the respective mixers. It's about to get good.
*My Saintface remix is in excellent shape, and now is going to go into the hands of Mr. Brandt shortly, but with the above item, he's got his work cut out for him at the moment.
More soon.
F
And in various news...
*Generation J begins as the Louches have a bouncing baby Chemboy in their home. This is the best news of the year so far (getting New Order tickets comes in close second). We are all quite happy and pleased and wish the Louches the very best.
*Louche baby is keeping is daddy occupied while yours truly continues to reel in the Chemlab remixes. They are super hot, and still super top secret. Not allowed to say yet who is on the record, but there are going to be many happy Machine Rock kids out there. If you're a remixer, you missed your fucking deadline, but you can thank the Louche baby for extending the deadline a bit.
*SIN CITY is nothing short of excellent brilliant filmmaking. It's a triumph for comic book fans everywhere and a movie that I've seen twice and loved more with each viewing. Mickey Rourke's 20 years of promise finally realized thanks to a comic book. Amazing. And my old pal Bruce Willis is the emotional anchor of the whole thing. Just an amazing film. See it.
*April 2nd came and with it came all the Episode 3 merchandise. I behaved. I only bought the books ($135 worth AFTER the discount) and have successfully avoided ruining what little of the film I haven't spoiled for myself already. I know way too much, I don't care. We're in the home stretch and yes, I'm the guy you will all be asking "wait what did that mean" after you have all seen it next month. You're welcome.
*I'm counting the days till all over the aggression remixes are in for the album. Two are left: Cyanotic and VTG. I name them simply to call them out to move their asses. However, they all seem to be reasonably nice people who will do an awesome job on the mixes, so I can't bust balls too much. However, I long for the day, coming soon, in which that aggression CD is in our grubby hands.
*But that hasn't stopped me from making my way on a semi regular basis to The Birdcage to watch Brandt put the mixing files together. First round is being Fed Ex'd tomorrow to the respective mixers. It's about to get good.
*My Saintface remix is in excellent shape, and now is going to go into the hands of Mr. Brandt shortly, but with the above item, he's got his work cut out for him at the moment.
More soon.
F