Here we are at the end of a topsy turvey fucking year. I mean really. Lotta big changes went down, both personally and professionally. Things change, things remain the same, but luckily, we move ahead. Obviously, getting engaged was the highlight of 08, and I'm sure by now you all know the story with THAT.
The Best of lists aren't going to happen this year, it requires too much effort and time, neither of which I have at the moment. I just went back and looked at my best of list LAST year and see I had the same dilemma. I thought I was being bad ass and shit. I will tell you though, The Joy Division Doc and The Dark Knight was my fave movies this year I'm pretty sure. Maybe one of the best movies ever. No movie made me feel like that. The Wrestler came mad close. It was fun to see Indy, but I'm a Lucas apologist so I couldn't tell you if it was good or not. I loved my own movie. I'll love it more someday when it's a cult classic.
Music wise, I'm hard pressed to think of my fave album this year, though Peka's album probably got the most play and I truly think he is a mad genius. The Brits: Oasis, Verve, and Primals all put out good albums, but they all seemed like 3/4 good and the rest were bsides. But I can't complain. The Verve's Love is Noise is by far my anthem of 08. Amazing tune. The Verve were almost my gig of the year, but then Trent Reznor decided to show up on my birthday around here and clubbed me over the head to remind me of his relevance. Thus, NIN is gig of the year. The New Order reissue drama was fun to watch unfold, so I give the reissue awards to Mr. Johnny Marr for his work on the Smiths best of the singles box which sits here on my desk. I think Screen Vinyl Image and The December Sound record was my big surprises for great new bands, and I am of course following The Dossier very closely. Maybe too closely ;-)
I'm sure you people will remind me of shit I missed above and this will be updated frequently.
I wrote a LOT this year, much to the detriment of this blog. I finally officially became a comic book writer this year, thanks to the folks at Tokyopop and DC Comics. You'll see the fruits of said labour very soon. I hope to get more work in that field. Lord knows I'm trying. I miss writing about the great sport, but the economy has put a halt to that. Hopefully that will change. I really enjoyed that.
I also officially became a movie producer, but you knew about that.
I think 09 is gonna be one of those years that will stand out. Lotta potential. Gonna get married, gonna finish Hypefactor, gonna make shit HAPPEN. I actually can't wait to tell you about the next musical MOG project, which is gonna turn some heads. I think the movie I am most excited for in 09 is STAR TREK, for obvious reasons, and we have albums from Cerati, Kasabian, Telefon Tel Aviv, Jarvis and a slew of others coming up. Maybe I'll finally see Oasis in 09 and the question is: Freebass?
I wish you all nothing but wonderful things in the 09. Both friends and frenemies.
Oh. And the beard stays.
31.12.08
29.12.08
28.12.08
The Spirit of Failure
I'm not gonna do some autopsy about the movie, which is not doing well critically and commercially. I'm almost done with suicide watch, though I'm sure I'll be feeling the effects of this long into 2009. Like most things in my business, insane highs and crippling lows. Right now, with nephew here, it's a lot easier to ignore the reality of it, and honestly, watching the movie in a packed matinee with him and people that liked it a lot will be my best memory of this week perhaps. Someday, when I write the book, I'll tell you all the ups and downs of living in Central City for a few years. It was a fun place, I just think the timing was wrong. But it made me officially a "producer" legit and it was something my folks were able to see in their lifetime, so again, the idea is to take the good from the bad and move ahead. It's not easy, but it's the only way to survive.
19.12.08
LA recap
Well the hope of coming back to NY to race 2 hours south to Jersey to catch Oasis didn't happen. The weather crucified all hope. Its all gross and shit here, but I'm told the snow is a nightmare and would have prevented this from happening in any reasonable time. Thus, the idea of seeing them in June in the UK is back on. Who knows.
LA was brief. Maybe fun. I'll need months before I figure it out. Honestly, I stressed myself into such oblivion, that I have yet to fully recover. The reviews didn't help. Upon arriving in LA, we went straight to the newly revealed (to me) airport in and out burger, which had i fucking known about 8 years ago, would have saved me tons of time and energy in that town. That evening we had ourselves the long awaited trip to Cabrea, a first for my folks. Joined by Irene's mom, Vik, and Roberto, this was a highlight. Before that, Irene got to meet Emmy and her babysitter for the evening, Robin Glowski, who designed all the early aggression albums, now a mom of two awesome boys yet looking exactly the same.
As for the rest of the trip, the cool part was the super rock star style treatment, courtesy of Lionsgate. Private cars, the hotel (The London), the limo, etc. fun. I might have impressed my family, I'm not sure. Like I said, I trapped myself in my own little ball of stupid anxiety. But if you're going to sit around and sulk, it's nice to have a studio pay for it. One morning, I accidentally drank a glass of Saline Solution containing Irene's contacts while brushing my teeth. Lovely. I was in that frame of mind, friends.
Of course after all the bitching from the studio about not having the premiere in NYC cause of the weather, what happens? It rains like a motherfucker. My gut was this was Will Eisner setting the scene. Lets hope he ticklets the box office a bit. Anyway, it was quite the event at the chinese and it was a big class reunion with all the wonderful friends I made on the movie. Some are here:
I'll post more pix eventually and get caught up with your ass shortly. Stay warm.
F
LA was brief. Maybe fun. I'll need months before I figure it out. Honestly, I stressed myself into such oblivion, that I have yet to fully recover. The reviews didn't help. Upon arriving in LA, we went straight to the newly revealed (to me) airport in and out burger, which had i fucking known about 8 years ago, would have saved me tons of time and energy in that town. That evening we had ourselves the long awaited trip to Cabrea, a first for my folks. Joined by Irene's mom, Vik, and Roberto, this was a highlight. Before that, Irene got to meet Emmy and her babysitter for the evening, Robin Glowski, who designed all the early aggression albums, now a mom of two awesome boys yet looking exactly the same.
As for the rest of the trip, the cool part was the super rock star style treatment, courtesy of Lionsgate. Private cars, the hotel (The London), the limo, etc. fun. I might have impressed my family, I'm not sure. Like I said, I trapped myself in my own little ball of stupid anxiety. But if you're going to sit around and sulk, it's nice to have a studio pay for it. One morning, I accidentally drank a glass of Saline Solution containing Irene's contacts while brushing my teeth. Lovely. I was in that frame of mind, friends.
Of course after all the bitching from the studio about not having the premiere in NYC cause of the weather, what happens? It rains like a motherfucker. My gut was this was Will Eisner setting the scene. Lets hope he ticklets the box office a bit. Anyway, it was quite the event at the chinese and it was a big class reunion with all the wonderful friends I made on the movie. Some are here:
I'll post more pix eventually and get caught up with your ass shortly. Stay warm.
F
14.12.08
The week ahead
I'm trying to be a little more regular about writing here. I'd love to think next year I will get back to this a little more regularly. Honestly, I'm just stressed out with the movie and all that. Yesterday, I went to the press junket and they had a fun press conference where a lot of reporters came and actually asked decent questions. I thought the cast and their director came across very well. It was actually enjoyable to check out and fun to catch up with the folks involved. But again, stressful. Sure, I play a minor role in the show, but this projects been a part of my life for more than a decade and it's my name up there amongst the others, so I take great pride and great fear in that. All at the same time. It's slightly weird and exciting all at the same time. Obviously, I want the movie to be loved and successful. At this point, I'll take one or the other, but not neither. I can't explain it right I guess. I would pin a lot of this anxiety on my own shoulders for reading message boards and all that bullshit. It's kinda my own fault.
Tomorrow, I'll see it on the big screen for the first time. Mind you, I've seen the movie in various stages over the last year, but this will be the first time finished with the all the sound mixed, etc. I feel like Irene won't like it for sure. Then on Tuesday it's off to LA for the premiere, which I dread. I don't know why. I hate all premieres, and I usually end up having a good time, but it's a weird mixture of work and social and trying to find a middle ground. Irene's usually very helpful with me at these things. This time, included in this will be my folks and Irene's mom, all of whom I want to have a good time and enjoy the experience with Irene and I. Thus, there's kinda double, maybe triple the usual stress. I also wish we had a little extra time in LA to decompress, which we do not thanks to Irene and my mom's insane work schedules and my desire to catch Oasis on this tour, which should happen on Friday. After that, I'm pretty much done for the year. I've been pretty dilligent about Christmas shopping, so I think we're in good shape. I'll be happy to have #1 nephew for the holidays for a good 10 days or so, which I know will be good.
Now, I sound like a downer. A year ago, a friend said to me, "no matter what happens, you've done something many dream of doing yet few will ever do, and no one can take that away from you". I do understand that this is a special moment in my life that I'll have forever, I think I just need some perspective and maybe a lil time to get clear of it to balance the mixed emotions of the last year caused by work stuff beyond the movie. I think I will enjoy this a lot more after the fact. Yes, it's crazy, but it's better than letting it all go to my head. That happens if we get a sequel.
F
Tomorrow, I'll see it on the big screen for the first time. Mind you, I've seen the movie in various stages over the last year, but this will be the first time finished with the all the sound mixed, etc. I feel like Irene won't like it for sure. Then on Tuesday it's off to LA for the premiere, which I dread. I don't know why. I hate all premieres, and I usually end up having a good time, but it's a weird mixture of work and social and trying to find a middle ground. Irene's usually very helpful with me at these things. This time, included in this will be my folks and Irene's mom, all of whom I want to have a good time and enjoy the experience with Irene and I. Thus, there's kinda double, maybe triple the usual stress. I also wish we had a little extra time in LA to decompress, which we do not thanks to Irene and my mom's insane work schedules and my desire to catch Oasis on this tour, which should happen on Friday. After that, I'm pretty much done for the year. I've been pretty dilligent about Christmas shopping, so I think we're in good shape. I'll be happy to have #1 nephew for the holidays for a good 10 days or so, which I know will be good.
Now, I sound like a downer. A year ago, a friend said to me, "no matter what happens, you've done something many dream of doing yet few will ever do, and no one can take that away from you". I do understand that this is a special moment in my life that I'll have forever, I think I just need some perspective and maybe a lil time to get clear of it to balance the mixed emotions of the last year caused by work stuff beyond the movie. I think I will enjoy this a lot more after the fact. Yes, it's crazy, but it's better than letting it all go to my head. That happens if we get a sequel.
F
9.12.08
Here We Go...
God, I know. SHUT up. What have you been doing? I don't see you telling me about your exploits. Where to start, I have no idea. I have a good life. Movies, music, weddings, wrestling, everything a lad like me needs.
Last week, sister in law was in town. Luckily she was very busy, but her company was fun. She took us to Ippudo. We ate well, hung out, discussed life, etc. FLYING back and forth from Montreal is AWESOME, I must tell you. Right now they flights are cheaper than renting the car. The best. It helps that family doesn't live far from the airport in Montreal. My nephew is hilarious. We're gonna have a fun Christmas.
Last week, thanks to the Kidd, I saw a motion picture called THE WRESTLER, directed by Aronofsky and starring my childhood fallen idol, Mickey Rourke. Man, what a movie. Insane. Dark. Depressing. The great sport. So real. I got choked up. Rourke should NOT win the Oscar, I must say, simply cause I am not sure he is acting. I was really moved by this movie for obvious reasons, but even if you don't love the great sport, you will love this film. Last night, Evan and I went to the NY Times Times Talk series to see the director and star discuss the movie. They were good, but the woman hosting it, the alleged Editor at Large, was a nightmare and more interested in claiming to be friends with Tarantino than she was in interviewing these guys. What an assclown. then me and Ev at at Osteria and he took this pic:
Over the weekend, I want to a, yes Lasgana cook off, hosted by our friend Barbara. It was pretty freaking awesome, especially after a long day of productive beat making. Our Jessie made a sweet ass veg lasagna that might have been my favourites, AND she made Creme Puffs that own your fucking soul. Shes like the new Auntie Cake. For reals.
Saturday saw the conclusion of the writing portion of the 5 year waiting Hypefactor album. This was very exciting. Wrote some synths and some beats and man this album is going to be awesome. Now its up to B to lay down some guitars, Bob to do one more bassline and your hero to sing. Fuck. Seriously. Close.
I've been doing press as of late. Some for movie. Some for comic and some for the band. It's fun. I'll post all those things on here as they happen. Or on the Facebook. I'm pretty sure most of you here have access to FB. Irene's addicted. Officially.
I'm warning in advance that I am probably not going to do my usual Best Of's this year. Between all the work, music, and writing, just having to put any more thought into something we all end up arguing over anyways, just might not be worth it. Right now, I am listening to Dennis Wilson, The Hours, some new Oasis remixes, and of course Hypefactor. I'm REALLY excited that a new Cerati album is in progress. He's been listening to Fleetwood Mac and Devo and all kinds of weird shit. Awesome. I played some stuff from the last album for B the other night in the studio and sure enough, as I predicted ages ago, B responded kindly. He's the new Ash. Yaye.
So what's going with you, man? Did you know that ZO claps?
F
Last week, sister in law was in town. Luckily she was very busy, but her company was fun. She took us to Ippudo. We ate well, hung out, discussed life, etc. FLYING back and forth from Montreal is AWESOME, I must tell you. Right now they flights are cheaper than renting the car. The best. It helps that family doesn't live far from the airport in Montreal. My nephew is hilarious. We're gonna have a fun Christmas.
Last week, thanks to the Kidd, I saw a motion picture called THE WRESTLER, directed by Aronofsky and starring my childhood fallen idol, Mickey Rourke. Man, what a movie. Insane. Dark. Depressing. The great sport. So real. I got choked up. Rourke should NOT win the Oscar, I must say, simply cause I am not sure he is acting. I was really moved by this movie for obvious reasons, but even if you don't love the great sport, you will love this film. Last night, Evan and I went to the NY Times Times Talk series to see the director and star discuss the movie. They were good, but the woman hosting it, the alleged Editor at Large, was a nightmare and more interested in claiming to be friends with Tarantino than she was in interviewing these guys. What an assclown. then me and Ev at at Osteria and he took this pic:
Over the weekend, I want to a, yes Lasgana cook off, hosted by our friend Barbara. It was pretty freaking awesome, especially after a long day of productive beat making. Our Jessie made a sweet ass veg lasagna that might have been my favourites, AND she made Creme Puffs that own your fucking soul. Shes like the new Auntie Cake. For reals.
Saturday saw the conclusion of the writing portion of the 5 year waiting Hypefactor album. This was very exciting. Wrote some synths and some beats and man this album is going to be awesome. Now its up to B to lay down some guitars, Bob to do one more bassline and your hero to sing. Fuck. Seriously. Close.
I've been doing press as of late. Some for movie. Some for comic and some for the band. It's fun. I'll post all those things on here as they happen. Or on the Facebook. I'm pretty sure most of you here have access to FB. Irene's addicted. Officially.
I'm warning in advance that I am probably not going to do my usual Best Of's this year. Between all the work, music, and writing, just having to put any more thought into something we all end up arguing over anyways, just might not be worth it. Right now, I am listening to Dennis Wilson, The Hours, some new Oasis remixes, and of course Hypefactor. I'm REALLY excited that a new Cerati album is in progress. He's been listening to Fleetwood Mac and Devo and all kinds of weird shit. Awesome. I played some stuff from the last album for B the other night in the studio and sure enough, as I predicted ages ago, B responded kindly. He's the new Ash. Yaye.
So what's going with you, man? Did you know that ZO claps?
F
4.12.08
Hogging
G and I went to see the first Boss Hog show in 8 years last night in Hoboken. It was awesome. FYI, pre blog, we were at said last Boss Hog show. I don't remember that gig other than we discovered Saphin (when he was awesome) around the corner at Luna.Nowadays, I see Spencer at Duane Reade all the time cause they live near us I guess. Christina is an icon, just pure awesome. I have no idea how old she is, I think they have a teenage son, and she looks like the hottest mom in town. And she can sing. Like a champ. I stole this next photo from Brooklyn. Find Frank:
3.12.08
Paintball Killah
This was me helping with a shoot at the office where they wanted to film someone being shot by a paintball rifle. Why, I have no idea, but I got drafted into being the trigger man, and quite frankly (i say that cause the dude in the picture and I are both named Frank), it was awesome. I felt bad shooting the guy, but man he was a champ and a half.
I miss Laser Tag!
F
1.12.08
23.11.08
Lost In Time...
Wow, I'm incredibly behind. Lot's happened, hard to remember. It's just how it is now. This blog, which was originally just supposed to document our musical lives, eventually became a forum for my musical adventures simply because everyone else is too goddamn lazy, and them morphed into a blog documenting my adventures. Sadly, this year will have many gaps missing, as it's been a year of change, adjustment, and excitement. It's a shame some moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain (you're welcome Bob).
So when looking at where we left off, I can't even recall what has happened in between. I know I did things like see David Wain's ROLE MODELS (which G and I enjoyed, especially for all the State cameos), the new James Bond movie (which is getting a bad rap for reasons I don't understand other than it's way too manic and not nearly as epic as the last one), and tried to watch John Woo's RED CLIFF. Jesus, if only I had a Day of Rest (yes, Bob).
I've been regularly in the studio, in the seriously real home stretch on the HF album. There have been Bozu Brunches and Dokebi reunions. Yesterday was Dumont burger. I don't know why I equate the band with food, but then again, all I did in the aggression was eat Wendys. Now I'm paying for that spending 4-5 days a week on a fucking precor trying to looking front man fit. We've knocked out the song CREATION PHASE, the last song of the album. Lyrical ideas are coming easy for it, which is a good sign. I listen to the demo nonstop and think we have something very very special here. Maybe one of our best. Needless to say B and I have worked our asses off on this song, and it feels really awesome. Yesterday, I went to work on it some more, but the power was all fucked up so Brandt and I literally sat on the couch for hours and hours watching the new Soda Stereo live DVD and the still amazing Duran SING BLUE SILVER doc from 1984. Hilariously good. Al made cookies. Life is awesome.
After weeks of not seeing the MOGpac, I think I have spent quality time with just about everyone except Ash, of course, but he sends me texts from movie theatres that play the SPIRIT trailer, so kudos. Random run ins with Club Superstar on St. Marks leads to entertainment of the highest level and the other night, I met Queens and Harlem and now Village for drinks at Kennedys till close. Quality.
The WEDDING is starting to take shape, so this is occupying a lot of time as well. With schedules such as ours, it's often difficult to get into the groove of this, but things are slowly coming into focus. This has been a relatively easy process thus far, but I know I have just jinxed it by saying that. Anyhow, that should happen next year, I think ;-) We have a reverend now, not of the religious kind, but someone your hero can drink with, so that's good. This wedding thing should be fun. Please.
Spirit related stuff. Movie's out on Christmas day. You HAVE to see it. Please. Make my first a hit. You can't imagine how much sleep I lose over this fucking movie. Hey, I love it. Here's the poster, squint hard and you'll see my name:
The other news is that I'm co-writing 3 issues of the comic. Here's the info:
THE SPIRIT #26
Written by Michael J. Uslan & F.J. DeSanto
Art by Justiniano & Walden Wong
Cover by Brian Bolland
An unmissable and gorgeous 3-part vision of The Spirit’s female foils begins here! Star penciller Justiniano joins The Spirit film producers and new series writers Michael Uslan and F.J. DeSanto to bring you the heartbreaking tale of Silken Floss, the whip-smart super-scientist whose love for The Spirit is rivaled only by her ambition! And when the knock at the door of opportunity comes from the gloved fist of the Octopus, there’s no telling who she’ll betray to get her way.
On sale February 11 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
Here's the cover of the first issue. It's pretty sweet that Bolland is doing the covers. Nice way out the gate.
So there are three issues, if we do any more beyond that, I have no idea, but getting a DC paycheck was another lifetime milestone achieved. I am however, bit by the comic bug now and hope to do more.
I'm sure there is a lot more to tell you, but alas, I've run out of time. But this is a decent catch up, yes? I'm off to Montreal next week for nephew fun and then I think there are two trips to LA before the year is out. Then maybe some sleep, but I doubt that.
F
So when looking at where we left off, I can't even recall what has happened in between. I know I did things like see David Wain's ROLE MODELS (which G and I enjoyed, especially for all the State cameos), the new James Bond movie (which is getting a bad rap for reasons I don't understand other than it's way too manic and not nearly as epic as the last one), and tried to watch John Woo's RED CLIFF. Jesus, if only I had a Day of Rest (yes, Bob).
I've been regularly in the studio, in the seriously real home stretch on the HF album. There have been Bozu Brunches and Dokebi reunions. Yesterday was Dumont burger. I don't know why I equate the band with food, but then again, all I did in the aggression was eat Wendys. Now I'm paying for that spending 4-5 days a week on a fucking precor trying to looking front man fit. We've knocked out the song CREATION PHASE, the last song of the album. Lyrical ideas are coming easy for it, which is a good sign. I listen to the demo nonstop and think we have something very very special here. Maybe one of our best. Needless to say B and I have worked our asses off on this song, and it feels really awesome. Yesterday, I went to work on it some more, but the power was all fucked up so Brandt and I literally sat on the couch for hours and hours watching the new Soda Stereo live DVD and the still amazing Duran SING BLUE SILVER doc from 1984. Hilariously good. Al made cookies. Life is awesome.
After weeks of not seeing the MOGpac, I think I have spent quality time with just about everyone except Ash, of course, but he sends me texts from movie theatres that play the SPIRIT trailer, so kudos. Random run ins with Club Superstar on St. Marks leads to entertainment of the highest level and the other night, I met Queens and Harlem and now Village for drinks at Kennedys till close. Quality.
The WEDDING is starting to take shape, so this is occupying a lot of time as well. With schedules such as ours, it's often difficult to get into the groove of this, but things are slowly coming into focus. This has been a relatively easy process thus far, but I know I have just jinxed it by saying that. Anyhow, that should happen next year, I think ;-) We have a reverend now, not of the religious kind, but someone your hero can drink with, so that's good. This wedding thing should be fun. Please.
Spirit related stuff. Movie's out on Christmas day. You HAVE to see it. Please. Make my first a hit. You can't imagine how much sleep I lose over this fucking movie. Hey, I love it. Here's the poster, squint hard and you'll see my name:
The other news is that I'm co-writing 3 issues of the comic. Here's the info:
THE SPIRIT #26
Written by Michael J. Uslan & F.J. DeSanto
Art by Justiniano & Walden Wong
Cover by Brian Bolland
An unmissable and gorgeous 3-part vision of The Spirit’s female foils begins here! Star penciller Justiniano joins The Spirit film producers and new series writers Michael Uslan and F.J. DeSanto to bring you the heartbreaking tale of Silken Floss, the whip-smart super-scientist whose love for The Spirit is rivaled only by her ambition! And when the knock at the door of opportunity comes from the gloved fist of the Octopus, there’s no telling who she’ll betray to get her way.
On sale February 11 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
Here's the cover of the first issue. It's pretty sweet that Bolland is doing the covers. Nice way out the gate.
So there are three issues, if we do any more beyond that, I have no idea, but getting a DC paycheck was another lifetime milestone achieved. I am however, bit by the comic bug now and hope to do more.
I'm sure there is a lot more to tell you, but alas, I've run out of time. But this is a decent catch up, yes? I'm off to Montreal next week for nephew fun and then I think there are two trips to LA before the year is out. Then maybe some sleep, but I doubt that.
F
20.11.08
17.11.08
Creation Phase
Instead of me having to write a long version of our extended Bozu Brunch/writing/recording session yesterday, I will allow Brandt to sum it up best via IM "THE SONG IS SO GOOD IT MAKES MY BALLS ACHE OH AND BEST BRUNCH EVER CHEERS. That's my blog."
9.11.08
NY>LA>NY
The above is from LA, but hello from NY. I was in LA for a beat this week, as I got called out there on a new project, which I'm excited about. So I stayed at the New London, which is the revamped Bel Age, my old hang out. It's fucking awesome and hopefully this place will once again be my regular crash pad. Above is the view from the balcony. It's in West Hollywood, which was awesome because then I could see the Prop 8 protestors, but I didn't appreciate the traffic that caused ;-)
Again, this trip was quick as fuck, so it was actually only 1 full day. But I squeezed a lot in and saw some of the enjoyable usual suspects, Mom B, Vik, Em, etc. Getting there was easy, getting home yesterday, if you follow my twitter, was a pain in the ass. 3 hour delay. HOWEVER, I had two meals yesterday, Bob's donuts and an Irene created Turkey meat loaf, which was amazing. I'd have stayed through the weekend in LA, but today we do the FDS sr. birthday dinner at Balthazar.
I know, its a rough life. Poor me.
5.11.08
I'm a little reluctant to discuss the election here. As most of you know, this blog is for entertainment purposes and honestly a lifetime of star wars, comics and music doesn't exactly make me an expert on politics, etc., but since 9/11 I've been on a quiet journey to expand my seemingly narrow mindset to include the world beyond the Batcave and focus especially this election. So instead of going to the NME and WWE.com every morning, over the last year, I find myself going to cnn, politico, huffington, etc. more and more. Also, I also have a weird crush on Rachel Maddow.
So this election was the first time I felt a generational shift, that something, someone belonged to me and not my parents generation. Maybe this is how they felt in the 60's with JFK, MLK and all the other initials, but I felt something positive for a change. This might sound weird, but the last time I felt this strongly about things was after having lived through 9/11, meaning, concern for my country, for my world, etc. But whereas I felt something had broken inside me then, I feel after the election that a little part of that was fixed. Maybe it's because I'm engaged now, maybe it's because of Cameron, maybe it's because I'm now at a new job surrounded by intelligent and politically minded people. Regardless, all of that has been particularly helpful. I think some of you who have known me for years would get a kick out of seeing me discuss politics, but I'll probably keep the aloof mask on. I feel I don't know enough yet. Maybe I actually do know a few things now, but when I see Vik, or Jenni, and others who are so well researched, so active, so involved, i feel like a pretender. But this time I don't as much. Yep, I donated and I believed. And then I crossed my fingers cause I simply could not imagine a different conclusion.
So when it came time last night, I was sick to my stomach. Sick that we'd be fooled again and this would all be for naught. There were various invitations to parties, gatherings, etc. but Irene and I couldn't bear to be around people should something go wrong. So we sat. And watched. And waited. Irene was particularly violent about Virginia, her former state, embarrassed at the idea that it might go red (thankfully it didn't). I could barely eat. We tried to watch other shows and go back to the election, but that really didn't work.
But then shit happened. The right way. For a change. And when it was over, I was overcome with a sense of calm. I felt the right man won and the change we had been dreaming for was at least a step closer to happening. On a personal level, I felt seeing a President of mixed race was amazing to see, but even moreso for Irene. It's something my nephew, also mixed, can embrace as he goes on his own journey in life. It's also something my own child, who obviously will be mixed (half hero/half asian) can point to. That was really special for me and Irene. Maybe this is how they felt on Endor at the end of Return of the Jedi. I know, sometimes I have to put it my own terms. While I didn't blow up a shield generator, I voted, I helped. And it worked.
We watched those people go mental in Chicago. I couldn't believe it was real, honestly. Then I drank half a bottle of Kurosawa (thanks bob), ate some homemade cookies the women at the school we voted at made, and went to bed a happy boy.
*However, some of the hate remains because of this goddamn proposition 8 bullshit in California. Its frustrating because we can't vote directly on it and make it go away. a human being is a fucking human being and they should be allowed to do whatever the fuck they want without Arnold fucking Schwartzenegger telling them what they can and can't do. This is the one big black eye on this country. Its like these idiots are saying "yeah we're getting past the race thing, but we still have a ways to go with the homos" fuck you. *sigh*
Anyway, back to regularly scheduled MOGprogramming. This is as deep as I can handle in public.
F
So this election was the first time I felt a generational shift, that something, someone belonged to me and not my parents generation. Maybe this is how they felt in the 60's with JFK, MLK and all the other initials, but I felt something positive for a change. This might sound weird, but the last time I felt this strongly about things was after having lived through 9/11, meaning, concern for my country, for my world, etc. But whereas I felt something had broken inside me then, I feel after the election that a little part of that was fixed. Maybe it's because I'm engaged now, maybe it's because of Cameron, maybe it's because I'm now at a new job surrounded by intelligent and politically minded people. Regardless, all of that has been particularly helpful. I think some of you who have known me for years would get a kick out of seeing me discuss politics, but I'll probably keep the aloof mask on. I feel I don't know enough yet. Maybe I actually do know a few things now, but when I see Vik, or Jenni, and others who are so well researched, so active, so involved, i feel like a pretender. But this time I don't as much. Yep, I donated and I believed. And then I crossed my fingers cause I simply could not imagine a different conclusion.
So when it came time last night, I was sick to my stomach. Sick that we'd be fooled again and this would all be for naught. There were various invitations to parties, gatherings, etc. but Irene and I couldn't bear to be around people should something go wrong. So we sat. And watched. And waited. Irene was particularly violent about Virginia, her former state, embarrassed at the idea that it might go red (thankfully it didn't). I could barely eat. We tried to watch other shows and go back to the election, but that really didn't work.
But then shit happened. The right way. For a change. And when it was over, I was overcome with a sense of calm. I felt the right man won and the change we had been dreaming for was at least a step closer to happening. On a personal level, I felt seeing a President of mixed race was amazing to see, but even moreso for Irene. It's something my nephew, also mixed, can embrace as he goes on his own journey in life. It's also something my own child, who obviously will be mixed (half hero/half asian) can point to. That was really special for me and Irene. Maybe this is how they felt on Endor at the end of Return of the Jedi. I know, sometimes I have to put it my own terms. While I didn't blow up a shield generator, I voted, I helped. And it worked.
We watched those people go mental in Chicago. I couldn't believe it was real, honestly. Then I drank half a bottle of Kurosawa (thanks bob), ate some homemade cookies the women at the school we voted at made, and went to bed a happy boy.
*However, some of the hate remains because of this goddamn proposition 8 bullshit in California. Its frustrating because we can't vote directly on it and make it go away. a human being is a fucking human being and they should be allowed to do whatever the fuck they want without Arnold fucking Schwartzenegger telling them what they can and can't do. This is the one big black eye on this country. Its like these idiots are saying "yeah we're getting past the race thing, but we still have a ways to go with the homos" fuck you. *sigh*
Anyway, back to regularly scheduled MOGprogramming. This is as deep as I can handle in public.
F
Whiskey. Goth. Garlic Knots. (aka NICE HAT)
Friends, Matt Gentile Club Superstar Last Of the Famous International Playboys and I have a tradition. We go see The Sisters Of Mercy. Every time. While everyone else has given up. We still go. This is mostly cause of Matt. I honestly don't go for the Sisters, I go for the tradition. It's the MOGpac way. It's why Dan Hamill saw HARLEY DAVIDSON AND THE MARLBORO MAN on opening night and it's why I once went to a Pete Townshed listening party in midtown. You just do things.
Now, of course I love the sisters. Well, I loved them. Once. A lot. Tons. Then Eldritch decided not having a bassist was a good idea. Well, considering my earliest bass playing was all along to Sisters album it was now over. The fact that Eldrtich hasn't put out a new album in 18 years is kinda stupid too, especially since he has been playing "new" songs for the last ten years (which mind you are actually pretty good) But we keep going. And if you recall the blog entry about the last tour, it sucked, but didn't cause of the new guitarists who were young and energetic. So here they are again, and prodded by Matt, he got me to walk a few blocks to see them at Irving the other night. For tradition. For MOGpac.
This ended up being the best evening I think I ever had seeing the sisters since the very first time I saw the with Dr Fury at the Ritz back in the day (when they had TONY FUCKING JAMES on bass). Why? Well, first off the company was top notch. Matt, his extremely muscular cousin, his sister (who is a big fan of your hero), and her asian friend joined us for drinks at Shades of Green, and Michelle, god bless her, seems to be born with this inability to let anyone else pay for drinks so thanks to her, Matt and I renewed our love affair with Jamesons whiskey. So we went into this gig with the right altered mindset.
After buying Matt his birthday present, a sisters pin set, which he loved, we got ready for the gig. The big difference when they came on was how good it sounded compared to the usual mud. Realizing we had to take it up a notch, I got our crew to move way the fuck up into the packed crowd to enjoy it. Wisely, they now have the guy controlling the drum machine onstage to make it look more "band" like. They still need a bassist. This is a crucial error. The "new" songs are still good and yes I would like to own an album with them on it, but the company, the booze and the tunes made for a great show. I know they played Giving Ground, so that's a positive. However, Michelle, i think. was lied to about the bar having Jamesons, cause we had some fucking seriously vile whiskey. But at that point, they were playing Flood one AND two, so you can't really complain.
Then, we went BACK to shades and got so drunk that all I remember was eating garlic knots. Of course I lost my credit card, but can't remember how that happened though that might have been in a fight with Michelle to actually stop her from paying for drinks. She always pays for drinks. Lots of them. For everyone. She also puts 3 grand in the jukebox in which you would have to stay in the bar for a week to hear everything she selected. But most importantly, the birthday boy had a helluva 31 and is still talking about, which to me is the ultimate sign of, as we say, a top nite out.
And so, what I thought was a tired tradition has new life breathed into it. And that little corner of hope Matt and I still and will always have for the sisters remains just a little bit brighter than it was. So maybe they should either always play NY on one of our birthdays. Who knows. But we'll be back. Again. Cause we want more.
F
Now, of course I love the sisters. Well, I loved them. Once. A lot. Tons. Then Eldritch decided not having a bassist was a good idea. Well, considering my earliest bass playing was all along to Sisters album it was now over. The fact that Eldrtich hasn't put out a new album in 18 years is kinda stupid too, especially since he has been playing "new" songs for the last ten years (which mind you are actually pretty good) But we keep going. And if you recall the blog entry about the last tour, it sucked, but didn't cause of the new guitarists who were young and energetic. So here they are again, and prodded by Matt, he got me to walk a few blocks to see them at Irving the other night. For tradition. For MOGpac.
This ended up being the best evening I think I ever had seeing the sisters since the very first time I saw the with Dr Fury at the Ritz back in the day (when they had TONY FUCKING JAMES on bass). Why? Well, first off the company was top notch. Matt, his extremely muscular cousin, his sister (who is a big fan of your hero), and her asian friend joined us for drinks at Shades of Green, and Michelle, god bless her, seems to be born with this inability to let anyone else pay for drinks so thanks to her, Matt and I renewed our love affair with Jamesons whiskey. So we went into this gig with the right altered mindset.
After buying Matt his birthday present, a sisters pin set, which he loved, we got ready for the gig. The big difference when they came on was how good it sounded compared to the usual mud. Realizing we had to take it up a notch, I got our crew to move way the fuck up into the packed crowd to enjoy it. Wisely, they now have the guy controlling the drum machine onstage to make it look more "band" like. They still need a bassist. This is a crucial error. The "new" songs are still good and yes I would like to own an album with them on it, but the company, the booze and the tunes made for a great show. I know they played Giving Ground, so that's a positive. However, Michelle, i think. was lied to about the bar having Jamesons, cause we had some fucking seriously vile whiskey. But at that point, they were playing Flood one AND two, so you can't really complain.
Then, we went BACK to shades and got so drunk that all I remember was eating garlic knots. Of course I lost my credit card, but can't remember how that happened though that might have been in a fight with Michelle to actually stop her from paying for drinks. She always pays for drinks. Lots of them. For everyone. She also puts 3 grand in the jukebox in which you would have to stay in the bar for a week to hear everything she selected. But most importantly, the birthday boy had a helluva 31 and is still talking about, which to me is the ultimate sign of, as we say, a top nite out.
And so, what I thought was a tired tradition has new life breathed into it. And that little corner of hope Matt and I still and will always have for the sisters remains just a little bit brighter than it was. So maybe they should either always play NY on one of our birthdays. Who knows. But we'll be back. Again. Cause we want more.
F
4.11.08
2.11.08
All Hallows
Hello and welcome to another rare edition of the MOGblog. I realized starting this at 1am is a bad idea, considering im working on about a total of like 8 hours sleep combined since wed, but hey I do this for you so expect some good rambling train of thought and maybe actually some pix. Remember when this blog used to have a lot of pix with my more frequent updates? Yeah, me too, but there is a reason for this, which I will explain to you right now. When I switched to Blackberry, yes i did this, I needed a BB that was specifically a worldphone, so I could call anywhere I was traveling. For some reason, the geniuses who make this piece of tech decided the world phone would have no camera. Who the hell knows why, now I must rely on others, usually Irene, to visually document my life, thus leading to constant HEY CAN YOU GIVE ME SOME PIX FOR THE BLOG nagging that she, and now Matt, hate. So no, it's not because I am ashamed of the beard, its because of the damn blackberry.
Speaking of tech, I have continued to push my ass further into what's hip with the kids and now, thanks to tutoring from Jessie, I am on Twitter. Now it's just all getting silly. Myspace. Check. Facebook. Check. Ichat. Check and now Twitter. You can even follow my updates on this very blog, thus giving you yet ANOTHER reason to come here. Anyhow, isn't there a way to combine this all into one thing? I can't even remember all the different fucking passwords. One of you fucking geniuses work this out for me, ok?
So here we are. We are here.
Tonight is Saturday night, a night of rest. But as per usual, my week, your year, no comparison of course. Why? How? Well mostly because on Thursday night YOU didn't get to roll with Matt Gentile Club Superstar Last Of The Famous International Playboys for drinks, beats and pizza. We hooked up late in the evening, and grabbed a quick pint at old Chemlab hangout Sidewalk Cafe on Ave A. From there we went to some basement to see Saintface do their Dossier thing through a PA that sounded like my first practice bass amp except with everything going through it. Dossier Teenage Riot. Anyhow, my fave singer, in action and goddammn give me more of the songs. They've been playing out a lot, hopefully to appreciative audiences. Matt and I grabbed our lawn chairs and free cider (this is not a joke) and watched a costumed and overloaded (soundwise) Dossier bring it.
Here are your reunited MOGpac heroes, in their lawnchairs:
After the usual tearful reunion with the Dossier lads, Club Superstar and I then really brought it hardcore and walked across the street to, of all places, Pyramid, so Matt could dance to Everyday is Halloween. Supposedly the old busboy or something is now the fucking DJ. How does this happen? Meanwhile, the tiny hispanic man spinning joy division was a 1000% better than any DJ I would see anywhere else this weekend, but more on that soon. It was quick, one drink, good songs, nothings changed, and we got the fuck out of there and had a nice 230am slice of pizza. No sleep for the weary. This evening had tons of suck potential and happily not a moment sucked. Lotta laughs. Good shit.
Despite having drinks, we knew our limits so Friday wasn't a painful experience. Plus, it's fucking Halloween, which doesn't interest me in the least beyond the under 10 set. However, for a certain Korean woman who lives here, Halloween is the be all and end all. This year, it was decided we would go to the Ghostly Records party with Irene's crew, which already for me are two positives. The third positive was Irene's realization after 5 years that I'm not making any effort towards dressing up. So, since she and the girls were going to be the Brides of Frankenstein, your hero would be Dr Frank Himself. Basically that means, throw a lab coat on. I can do that. We spent the early evening at Jessie's, where Irene cooked and got everyone in their make up and gear. Serious shit. She even made Roger look like Jules from pulp fiction. I napped on Jessie's really fucking comfortable couch, which helped a great deal. Then we went to the party which was at Studio B in BK. Decent place. Ok crowd, lots of room, which makes it a lot easier for me to deal with. All was going well until some douchebag, supposedly from the Rapture, came on and played an all Michael Jackson set This was not like oh lets play the old records, it was let's play new sped of stupid fucking remixes. And he didn't stop! This went on and on! And this dumbfuck is DRESSED as Jackson. Literally you could hear the life leave the venue. I wanted out. Irene tried hard to make me smile, but I wasn't having it. I almost slapped the guy when he was next to me at the bar. I had to be restrained. There are pix of this, but of course, Irene is asleep. I'll post that later. Anyway, here's some:
then it was 4am cheese fries at the Gramercy.
Anyway, lotta rest since. Some gym time and today, Sunday will be studio day, which I always look forward to. I will return Matt's favour to me of being my date for the Dossier gig by being his for the Sisters tomorrow night. Goth. Down The Block.
Eventually.
F
Speaking of tech, I have continued to push my ass further into what's hip with the kids and now, thanks to tutoring from Jessie, I am on Twitter. Now it's just all getting silly. Myspace. Check. Facebook. Check. Ichat. Check and now Twitter. You can even follow my updates on this very blog, thus giving you yet ANOTHER reason to come here. Anyhow, isn't there a way to combine this all into one thing? I can't even remember all the different fucking passwords. One of you fucking geniuses work this out for me, ok?
So here we are. We are here.
Tonight is Saturday night, a night of rest. But as per usual, my week, your year, no comparison of course. Why? How? Well mostly because on Thursday night YOU didn't get to roll with Matt Gentile Club Superstar Last Of The Famous International Playboys for drinks, beats and pizza. We hooked up late in the evening, and grabbed a quick pint at old Chemlab hangout Sidewalk Cafe on Ave A. From there we went to some basement to see Saintface do their Dossier thing through a PA that sounded like my first practice bass amp except with everything going through it. Dossier Teenage Riot. Anyhow, my fave singer, in action and goddammn give me more of the songs. They've been playing out a lot, hopefully to appreciative audiences. Matt and I grabbed our lawn chairs and free cider (this is not a joke) and watched a costumed and overloaded (soundwise) Dossier bring it.
Here are your reunited MOGpac heroes, in their lawnchairs:
After the usual tearful reunion with the Dossier lads, Club Superstar and I then really brought it hardcore and walked across the street to, of all places, Pyramid, so Matt could dance to Everyday is Halloween. Supposedly the old busboy or something is now the fucking DJ. How does this happen? Meanwhile, the tiny hispanic man spinning joy division was a 1000% better than any DJ I would see anywhere else this weekend, but more on that soon. It was quick, one drink, good songs, nothings changed, and we got the fuck out of there and had a nice 230am slice of pizza. No sleep for the weary. This evening had tons of suck potential and happily not a moment sucked. Lotta laughs. Good shit.
Despite having drinks, we knew our limits so Friday wasn't a painful experience. Plus, it's fucking Halloween, which doesn't interest me in the least beyond the under 10 set. However, for a certain Korean woman who lives here, Halloween is the be all and end all. This year, it was decided we would go to the Ghostly Records party with Irene's crew, which already for me are two positives. The third positive was Irene's realization after 5 years that I'm not making any effort towards dressing up. So, since she and the girls were going to be the Brides of Frankenstein, your hero would be Dr Frank Himself. Basically that means, throw a lab coat on. I can do that. We spent the early evening at Jessie's, where Irene cooked and got everyone in their make up and gear. Serious shit. She even made Roger look like Jules from pulp fiction. I napped on Jessie's really fucking comfortable couch, which helped a great deal. Then we went to the party which was at Studio B in BK. Decent place. Ok crowd, lots of room, which makes it a lot easier for me to deal with. All was going well until some douchebag, supposedly from the Rapture, came on and played an all Michael Jackson set This was not like oh lets play the old records, it was let's play new sped of stupid fucking remixes. And he didn't stop! This went on and on! And this dumbfuck is DRESSED as Jackson. Literally you could hear the life leave the venue. I wanted out. Irene tried hard to make me smile, but I wasn't having it. I almost slapped the guy when he was next to me at the bar. I had to be restrained. There are pix of this, but of course, Irene is asleep. I'll post that later. Anyway, here's some:
then it was 4am cheese fries at the Gramercy.
Anyway, lotta rest since. Some gym time and today, Sunday will be studio day, which I always look forward to. I will return Matt's favour to me of being my date for the Dossier gig by being his for the Sisters tomorrow night. Goth. Down The Block.
Eventually.
F
27.10.08
Briefly...
I'm sneaking some more time in so you don't feel ignored. I feel as the year winds down, things are only going to get busier. There's a wedding (for Irene) to plan, an album to finish, comics to write, and a movie coming out. 09 is the year.
But we're still in 08 so let's get to it. Irene's dental surgery, as noted, kept me at home for the first time in ages, which was nice, and gave me a 3 day weekend. 2 of those days saw me back at the studio with B, handling different tracks each day. We ate extremely well as it was the first day EVER of Bozu Brunch and my god, it was amazing. Even the vegan shit was amazing.
B and I are going in between two very different musical modes right now, Saturday, we worked with nothing but synths, revamping the dancier elements of one particular dance track. This got the centerpiece of the album to a level we feel is worthy of the tracks surrounding it. This was difficult, we had to gut quite a bit, but thanks to our hard work and a quick assist from Damien Peka, one of my biggest concerns about the album has been addressed and eliminated. It's a bit drastic but the payoff is finally there.
On Sunday, there was no time to rest as we went back to continue writing the last song for the album. We've been chiseling away, over and over to fill this one last slot on the record. We've tried literally like 3 versions of this song and even tried to replace it with two others, all to no avail. NOW we got it, and why, cause we jammed it out first on guitar and bass and that really got the skeleton for us to build off of. This weekend, we finally got the chorus into shape. We tried several different approaches, but yesterday with B on guitar and me on keyboard (we'd already written the bassline), we just played and played till it clicked. Hypefactor is always strongest when it's just b and I in a room hammering it out. We both felt good and laid temp tracks down so we had something to work off of. Finally, it has the tone and energy I had been hoping for. We've filled in the spaces quite nicely. We have a good dance/rock hybrid going here. I have so many sick ideas for the arrangement. A little more detail on this and maybe I can start focus on singing.
In between these trips to the studio, I have been at home with Irene, just writing or watching movies. FAST TIMES was on the other night and it was sooooo good, still. Quality. I've also snuck in some Lego Batman time. Cam would be impressed with my progress, I'm 84% done. Rock the lego. When I am stuck at home, I often buy shit on the net, but I did rediscover the former Rosetta Stone guys new band, Miserylab, which I dig and Matt should too. if you liked Rosetta Stone, and probably only Matt and I and maybe Mohtashemi did, this might be to your liking.
Today I did press for the movie, which was cool. Just an interview for magazine about writing. I know the writer pretty well, so I am sure it will be good. I'll let you know when that comes out.
Anyway, just a quick peep to keep the dream alive. Not like anyone else blogs here you know!
F
But we're still in 08 so let's get to it. Irene's dental surgery, as noted, kept me at home for the first time in ages, which was nice, and gave me a 3 day weekend. 2 of those days saw me back at the studio with B, handling different tracks each day. We ate extremely well as it was the first day EVER of Bozu Brunch and my god, it was amazing. Even the vegan shit was amazing.
B and I are going in between two very different musical modes right now, Saturday, we worked with nothing but synths, revamping the dancier elements of one particular dance track. This got the centerpiece of the album to a level we feel is worthy of the tracks surrounding it. This was difficult, we had to gut quite a bit, but thanks to our hard work and a quick assist from Damien Peka, one of my biggest concerns about the album has been addressed and eliminated. It's a bit drastic but the payoff is finally there.
On Sunday, there was no time to rest as we went back to continue writing the last song for the album. We've been chiseling away, over and over to fill this one last slot on the record. We've tried literally like 3 versions of this song and even tried to replace it with two others, all to no avail. NOW we got it, and why, cause we jammed it out first on guitar and bass and that really got the skeleton for us to build off of. This weekend, we finally got the chorus into shape. We tried several different approaches, but yesterday with B on guitar and me on keyboard (we'd already written the bassline), we just played and played till it clicked. Hypefactor is always strongest when it's just b and I in a room hammering it out. We both felt good and laid temp tracks down so we had something to work off of. Finally, it has the tone and energy I had been hoping for. We've filled in the spaces quite nicely. We have a good dance/rock hybrid going here. I have so many sick ideas for the arrangement. A little more detail on this and maybe I can start focus on singing.
In between these trips to the studio, I have been at home with Irene, just writing or watching movies. FAST TIMES was on the other night and it was sooooo good, still. Quality. I've also snuck in some Lego Batman time. Cam would be impressed with my progress, I'm 84% done. Rock the lego. When I am stuck at home, I often buy shit on the net, but I did rediscover the former Rosetta Stone guys new band, Miserylab, which I dig and Matt should too. if you liked Rosetta Stone, and probably only Matt and I and maybe Mohtashemi did, this might be to your liking.
Today I did press for the movie, which was cool. Just an interview for magazine about writing. I know the writer pretty well, so I am sure it will be good. I'll let you know when that comes out.
Anyway, just a quick peep to keep the dream alive. Not like anyone else blogs here you know!
F
25.10.08
24.10.08
Angry Gerry
I think we all have to be realistic now and understand that this blog won't be updated at the often alarming rate it used to be. Time is at a premium these days and for good reasons. I'll try and catch you up but I am sure I have forgotten quite a bit since my last update.
I guess it's no secret now that I've been co-writing The Spirit comics for DC. This will start, I think, in February. So far, We've written 2 and a half issues and they've come out pretty well. Wait till you see who did the covers!! It's like a massive awesome big time artist. 09 will be my comics debut between this and Star Trek, which feature a supporting role from #1 nephew. There's also another potential writing project for next year as well, but that hasn't been greenlit yet. I'm literally on my couch working on the pitch right now. It's not easy, but fun.
Been working on HF quite a bit with B lately. We are also producing tracks for his neighbor, Pete Sparrow, who is an awesome electronic musician from the UK and also a cool guy. So we have been bouncing back and forth, which keeps us fresh and arranging someone elses music is a fun challenge for me. Right now B and I have been in a dance state of mind so that has been helping particular HF tracks. We should be tackling some more this weekend, but significant progress has been made and one song in particular has been through a drastic overhaul. We drafted in my pal Damien, aka Peka, to flesh out a track that wasn't clicking and this has led to some great results. More on that eventually. Meanwhile, as I was racing about the East Coast this weekend, Bob came in and laid the groundwork for some new stuff, which we're all dead excited about. We're slow but we'll get there.
ZOE B came to town with her moms for a week or so, and we had a few play dates. She was awesome as always and there are lots of pix. However, this one is my fave:
I miss her already and I hate her dad for wanting his wife and child back. Fucker.
Last weekend was particularly mental and I think pulled off a minor travel miracle. Check this out:
SATURDAY:
Train from NYC to DC
Arrive DC, get rental car
check in at hotel
Change, get back in car, drive 45 min to burbs
Attend Irene's friend Kat's wedding gathering (they had wisely eloped so this was the celebration)
Stay till midnight or so, drive back to hotel.
Sleep like 4 hrs
SUNDAY:
Return rental car
Quick Breakfast
Grab train, but this time go like 5:45 to Bridgeport, CT
Attend Cousins baby christening
deal with Family
FEAR MY PARENTS NEW GPS. LIFE THREATENING
Home by 10
Pass out.
You can't imagine what a military operation this was. Insane.
Anyway, the rest of the week was the usual chaos, running about to meetings on new projects, comics etc. The total highlight was when Brandt told me that The Juan Mclean was going to do a show at Andrew W.K.'s new club down in our old hood. I was really excited to hear that shit because I missed the Bowery show on Saturday night because of our travels. I had been really looking forward to that, so this was a nice surprise. After grabbing some Bo on Thursday night, B and I went to the gig. The venue is pretty cool, a little weird. B tells me it's an attempt to re-create an 80's dance club, but with 21st century expenses, who the fuck knows how long this place will be here. But it was cool and despite being filled with CBM tourists (which I had to deal with coming home from the studio the night before), the worst, I was psyched. Also helping is that GERRY, the greatest drummer on Earth, who is often discussed here, is in the live band.
Anyhow, they came on and they were awesome as fuck. Its quite possibly the best presentation of I have seen of an electronic based band, mostly because they subscribe to my belief that any electronic band worth it's salt has a human being playing anything that can be played by a human. That's the big difference between this band and the hundreds of craps bands, especially the opening act douche blood, are trying to do. Juan also knows how to write and arrange a song. He knows how to keep it going and his energy is off the charts. As I told B, seeing this band reminded me of when we first saw Saphin in that the live band is so perfect that if any element was different it could possibly suck (which was the case with Saphin). Gerry of course was SICK FUCKING AWESOME! Still the best drummer on the planet, but he seems unusually angry in this band as opposed to when he in Maserati. But no matter, he still owns it.
Here's a pic we stole:
It was easily one of the best gigs I have seen in ages. I have been really into the last album since B first played it for me ages ago and to see them live really took my appreciation to a new level. I am excited for the new album, which sounds like industrial human league, but that might not be a bad thing.
Now I am home, tending to my girl, who had two big teeth pulled out of the back of her mouth. She is in a whole world of owie, but it gives me some time at home to write and chill before getting back into the HF this weekend.
Soon.
F
I guess it's no secret now that I've been co-writing The Spirit comics for DC. This will start, I think, in February. So far, We've written 2 and a half issues and they've come out pretty well. Wait till you see who did the covers!! It's like a massive awesome big time artist. 09 will be my comics debut between this and Star Trek, which feature a supporting role from #1 nephew. There's also another potential writing project for next year as well, but that hasn't been greenlit yet. I'm literally on my couch working on the pitch right now. It's not easy, but fun.
Been working on HF quite a bit with B lately. We are also producing tracks for his neighbor, Pete Sparrow, who is an awesome electronic musician from the UK and also a cool guy. So we have been bouncing back and forth, which keeps us fresh and arranging someone elses music is a fun challenge for me. Right now B and I have been in a dance state of mind so that has been helping particular HF tracks. We should be tackling some more this weekend, but significant progress has been made and one song in particular has been through a drastic overhaul. We drafted in my pal Damien, aka Peka, to flesh out a track that wasn't clicking and this has led to some great results. More on that eventually. Meanwhile, as I was racing about the East Coast this weekend, Bob came in and laid the groundwork for some new stuff, which we're all dead excited about. We're slow but we'll get there.
ZOE B came to town with her moms for a week or so, and we had a few play dates. She was awesome as always and there are lots of pix. However, this one is my fave:
I miss her already and I hate her dad for wanting his wife and child back. Fucker.
Last weekend was particularly mental and I think pulled off a minor travel miracle. Check this out:
SATURDAY:
Train from NYC to DC
Arrive DC, get rental car
check in at hotel
Change, get back in car, drive 45 min to burbs
Attend Irene's friend Kat's wedding gathering (they had wisely eloped so this was the celebration)
Stay till midnight or so, drive back to hotel.
Sleep like 4 hrs
SUNDAY:
Return rental car
Quick Breakfast
Grab train, but this time go like 5:45 to Bridgeport, CT
Attend Cousins baby christening
deal with Family
FEAR MY PARENTS NEW GPS. LIFE THREATENING
Home by 10
Pass out.
You can't imagine what a military operation this was. Insane.
Anyway, the rest of the week was the usual chaos, running about to meetings on new projects, comics etc. The total highlight was when Brandt told me that The Juan Mclean was going to do a show at Andrew W.K.'s new club down in our old hood. I was really excited to hear that shit because I missed the Bowery show on Saturday night because of our travels. I had been really looking forward to that, so this was a nice surprise. After grabbing some Bo on Thursday night, B and I went to the gig. The venue is pretty cool, a little weird. B tells me it's an attempt to re-create an 80's dance club, but with 21st century expenses, who the fuck knows how long this place will be here. But it was cool and despite being filled with CBM tourists (which I had to deal with coming home from the studio the night before), the worst, I was psyched. Also helping is that GERRY, the greatest drummer on Earth, who is often discussed here, is in the live band.
Anyhow, they came on and they were awesome as fuck. Its quite possibly the best presentation of I have seen of an electronic based band, mostly because they subscribe to my belief that any electronic band worth it's salt has a human being playing anything that can be played by a human. That's the big difference between this band and the hundreds of craps bands, especially the opening act douche blood, are trying to do. Juan also knows how to write and arrange a song. He knows how to keep it going and his energy is off the charts. As I told B, seeing this band reminded me of when we first saw Saphin in that the live band is so perfect that if any element was different it could possibly suck (which was the case with Saphin). Gerry of course was SICK FUCKING AWESOME! Still the best drummer on the planet, but he seems unusually angry in this band as opposed to when he in Maserati. But no matter, he still owns it.
Here's a pic we stole:
It was easily one of the best gigs I have seen in ages. I have been really into the last album since B first played it for me ages ago and to see them live really took my appreciation to a new level. I am excited for the new album, which sounds like industrial human league, but that might not be a bad thing.
Now I am home, tending to my girl, who had two big teeth pulled out of the back of her mouth. She is in a whole world of owie, but it gives me some time at home to write and chill before getting back into the HF this weekend.
Soon.
F
10.10.08
And here we are...
How is it that the weather is great, the sun is shining, things are good, but I feel like shit? Not mentally. I mean physically. I think something is going around, cause IB is feeling it too. Ugh. Ok, so the latest...
Still can't believe how good the Nick Cave gig was. Wow. I know I keep thinking about it, but it was truly that good. Anyhow, illegally watched the ppv on the computer, thanks to the door kid, with G on IM. So we went from living together watching PPV, to not living together and hanging out watching PPV, and now we do it virtually. I semi hate this but love it at the same time. Anyway, Fernwood Gold has his thoughts on this over at UGO.com should you be interested in his latest wrestling thoughts.
Speaking of virtual, some of my lol moments this week come from Matt Gentile Last Of The Famous International Playboys (tm) texting me from places I have never heard of before in Eastern Europe. He keeps me up to date on his adventures and usually can always find a Depeche Mode fan. I ask him to post photos here, but he mentions something about being out late with "Italian Men", which makes me think there is evidence he is hiding. Who knows!
Lotta cool things happened so far this week. I was lucky enough to check out a special preview of about 25 minutes of WATCHMEN footage, which I thought was amazing. Zach is a cool guy, I like him a lot. He is so unassuming that it's sometimes hard to believe that this nice guy is doing all this intense stuff. But he's an amazing director and I think the movie is going to be great and do the business. And yes, the boss was there and busted my balls when I thanked him for my first paycheck for writing comics ;-)
Speaking of which, 2009 is the year my first comic book/manga writing will be released. I'm not sure the order in which these things will come out, but in the first half of 2009 there will be at least 3 issues of THE SPIRIT (covers by Brian Bolland!) and the long awaited Trek Next Gen story. If all goes well in the next few weeks, there will be more in 09. I do enjoy writing comics, which comes as no surprise I guess.
Last night after getting a haircut from my now happily pregnant stylist Rachel (congrats), B and I grabbed some Pizza and we busted out the thunderbird and the 808. We're cracking the long neglected FINAL song for the HF album, CREATION PHASE, and finally making it happen. We got an early start so we got a good amount of work in. I think we've made big leaps with this week and I'm really excited about some of the basslines I have come up with. I think we have a good foundation now for B to start thinking about guitars. It will be an interesting song. Honestly, we're getting there. Some songs are ready to mix. Next up, the dreaded vocals!!
Muscially, I am enjoying the New Order reissues tremendously. I guess the fanbase, the die hards, are really angry with these because they're not the right versions, or remastered from vinyl, as they lost the original masters, etc. B is bitching, but that's nothing unusual. I don't think I ever owned the first two albums on CD, so it's a treat to get into them. The bonus stuff is cool and the big revelations I had with this was that New Order were never an album band. Their strength was always in singles and b-sides. I'm sorry the die hards are sad, but I'm happy and the rest of you can fuck off I guess ;-)
FORCE UNLEASHED was my favourite videogame this year, but LEGO BATMAN is a close second. This game brings a lot of smiles. I don't know why. While it's cute, it's not dumb. You have to figure things out and it's worth the investment. I actually paid for this game and glad i did. No thanks to Evan ;-)
Today is moms bday. I'll check back with you all later. Here's my baby!
F
Still can't believe how good the Nick Cave gig was. Wow. I know I keep thinking about it, but it was truly that good. Anyhow, illegally watched the ppv on the computer, thanks to the door kid, with G on IM. So we went from living together watching PPV, to not living together and hanging out watching PPV, and now we do it virtually. I semi hate this but love it at the same time. Anyway, Fernwood Gold has his thoughts on this over at UGO.com should you be interested in his latest wrestling thoughts.
Speaking of virtual, some of my lol moments this week come from Matt Gentile Last Of The Famous International Playboys (tm) texting me from places I have never heard of before in Eastern Europe. He keeps me up to date on his adventures and usually can always find a Depeche Mode fan. I ask him to post photos here, but he mentions something about being out late with "Italian Men", which makes me think there is evidence he is hiding. Who knows!
Lotta cool things happened so far this week. I was lucky enough to check out a special preview of about 25 minutes of WATCHMEN footage, which I thought was amazing. Zach is a cool guy, I like him a lot. He is so unassuming that it's sometimes hard to believe that this nice guy is doing all this intense stuff. But he's an amazing director and I think the movie is going to be great and do the business. And yes, the boss was there and busted my balls when I thanked him for my first paycheck for writing comics ;-)
Speaking of which, 2009 is the year my first comic book/manga writing will be released. I'm not sure the order in which these things will come out, but in the first half of 2009 there will be at least 3 issues of THE SPIRIT (covers by Brian Bolland!) and the long awaited Trek Next Gen story. If all goes well in the next few weeks, there will be more in 09. I do enjoy writing comics, which comes as no surprise I guess.
Last night after getting a haircut from my now happily pregnant stylist Rachel (congrats), B and I grabbed some Pizza and we busted out the thunderbird and the 808. We're cracking the long neglected FINAL song for the HF album, CREATION PHASE, and finally making it happen. We got an early start so we got a good amount of work in. I think we've made big leaps with this week and I'm really excited about some of the basslines I have come up with. I think we have a good foundation now for B to start thinking about guitars. It will be an interesting song. Honestly, we're getting there. Some songs are ready to mix. Next up, the dreaded vocals!!
Muscially, I am enjoying the New Order reissues tremendously. I guess the fanbase, the die hards, are really angry with these because they're not the right versions, or remastered from vinyl, as they lost the original masters, etc. B is bitching, but that's nothing unusual. I don't think I ever owned the first two albums on CD, so it's a treat to get into them. The bonus stuff is cool and the big revelations I had with this was that New Order were never an album band. Their strength was always in singles and b-sides. I'm sorry the die hards are sad, but I'm happy and the rest of you can fuck off I guess ;-)
FORCE UNLEASHED was my favourite videogame this year, but LEGO BATMAN is a close second. This game brings a lot of smiles. I don't know why. While it's cute, it's not dumb. You have to figure things out and it's worth the investment. I actually paid for this game and glad i did. No thanks to Evan ;-)
Today is moms bday. I'll check back with you all later. Here's my baby!
F
6.10.08
Gig Of the Year.
This gig was so powerful, so hilarious, so impressive. It was like going to some kind of southern baptist revival church. Everything that was promised during the brief Terminal 5 appearance earlier this year was delivered in spades. Amazing. The setlist was a perfect selection of songs from the entire Bad Seeds run thus far. The band is sick. Irene I think has a crush on Warren Ellis, which means I will have to grow the beard out.
Also, the several bottles of sake at our massive Korean bbq dinner helped as well. Then the quick drink at Fridays. Afterwards, our large group brought it old school aggression style to the Tempest on 8th ave, which was where we would hang out to avoid the goths when we were playing the Batcave. We kept it real and silly.
Then I woke up and played more Lego Batman, bought the rest of the New Order reissues, and Les Halles'd it. This morning I read about a Depeche Mode tour? No US dates? yet? hmmm?
I also failed to mention that before the Cave gig, I brought it to the BK to check out the tunes and to go with B and Al to the first ever (seriously) Peter Saville book signing. He was very cool and personable and I'm really glad we went. He was very impressed with B owning the JD vinyl box set. "ONLY A THOUSAND OF THOSE" Fun. Then we sat on Brandt's new couch.
I stole this picture from Brooklyn Vegan. btw.
Eventually.
F
26.9.08
L.A. 7:57am
I think I can honestly say this is the first time in like 6 months where I can just sit down and write a random blog. I've accepted the fact that not every moment of my life is going to be recapped on here for the time being. Hopefully, you will accept this also. Deal with it.
Right now, I'm crashed out on the 12th floor of the Sunset Towers. This is the quickest trip to LA since the infamous "Yes, he knows you just flew to LA for this one meeting, but it's cancelled, however he will still have dinner with you tonight" trip (that's for the book, that one). 7:55am flight to LA on Wed, fly back 3pm Friday. All meetings taken and done in less thn 24 hrs. So I've stolen a bit of a rest last night and this morning, before I fly out. Thanks to a mixup of some kind, your hero has been rolling in a Mercedes C300 all week, talk about rock star. Anyway, quick jaunt. Just squeezing in a lil social time last night with Vik/Emmy, which saw us end up at Cabrea where the beloved owner, and her 3 year old were in the house. Heroes Welcome. They have this gnocci thing which might be the new thing. Stay tuned.
Knowing I was going to crash in this morning, I prepped with the breakfast of champions by buying it and leaving it in the room. Observe (and don't tell Irene, fucker):
I'm really enjoying the new Oasis album a lot. Danny doesn't like it, which is driving a wedge between us. Anyway, in 6 months, he'll pull an Ash and love it, especially after seeing it live.
Speaking of live, the night before I left, we went to see MBV at Roseland and my teeth are still shaking from the sheer sonic madness. They spent 300 grand (FACT) on gear for this tour and when I say gear I mean "weapons designed to hurt you". I never wear earplugs at gigs, cause I'm silly and eventually deaf like that, but for a gig where they HAND that shit out, it's obvious why. It hurt. and it was the best kind of hurt cause they were sick awesome. It was a clusterfuck, but worth it even when I had to get up at 430am the next morning to come here.
Anyway, usually I would stay through the day and travel on Saturday, but I really feel like I'm lagging behind on the music. We need to get this album done and soon, cause we truly are close, and lil spurts here in there at the studio are not going to get shit done. There's a lot of new stuff we need to get into, including our work with Sparrow, Peka, etc. Also, there was a fire, but that's a whole other thing and everyone is safe. I hear its rainy as fuck back home, so who knows, you might get more random blog entries.
Now, it's off to bkfst with Kyle. SW geek summit time!
F
23.9.08
Irene Belated Crew Birthday Celebration at Heathers (DRUNK portion)
Bonus Drunk Affectionate Beat:
Pic (C) JESS AUNT OF ZO
LINKS!
Irene and I hopped a train a few Sundays ago to visit the Links and their awesome kids, LUCY (who LOVVVVVVVES Irene) and the new baby, MIMI, who is awesome and really laid back. We had an awesome day with them. We ate like champs and the vibe was just awesome. It was tough to leave, especially when Lucy didn't want her new BFF, Irene, to go. But we'll be seeing them again VERY soon!!
I love this one...
I love this one...
