We draw closer to the end of the weirdest year ever, so let's talk about the cool shit we saw, heard and read in 2009. All of this is subject to change as the year isn't over yet. This is the best shit...
ALBUM, the best album without a doubt this year was the fucking amazing Gustavo Cerati album, FUERZA NATURAL. The man took it to a whole new level. 70's inspired rock with some of the best production I have heard really made this not just my favourite album this year, but my fave in ages. I want nothing more than to see this album played live in 2010. Kasabian came close, but their third album suffered from one song too many. I did love the Bad LT, but I'm thinking Freebass is gonna have something to say shortly on this.
MOVIE: Tough one. I loved a lot this year: District 9, Taken, Basterds, 500 Days of Summer, hell even ORPHAN was a guilty pleasure. But I gotta go with STAR TREK mostly because it was awesome seeing a franchise I grew up loving finally join us in 21st Century. No more boring existential Next Gen shit, this is the real deal. Also, huge points for figuring out how to reboot a franchise without erasing the 40 year history behind it. Smart, clever, simple, fun.
GIG: Nothing was better than NIN at the Bowery. I mean, seriously. Trent owned it. Manics were great, Depeche were much better than expected.
TV: KENNY FUCKING POWERS. Bar none. CURB was fucking great though. I do cop to loving GLEE, but it's no Eastbound and Down. Maybe Kenny Powers can teach Glee Club?
COMICS: There was a lot to love about comics in 2009. While I loved BLACKEST NIGHT and all things Green Lantern, especially since nephew and I got really bond over it, my fave series was Grant Morrison's new BATMAN AND ROBIN series which I think is the best Bat related stuff in ages. Of course I am biased because it's Dick Grayson as Batman, but it's a fresh clever spin that will be remembered fondly for years to come, certainly much more so than BATMAN RIP, which I didn't love.
Weird shit happened this year. Oasis broke up, Gavin Friday showed up and the kidd left, Dickie is trying a solo career again, and of course poor Jerry died. But cool shit happened too: I met Dulli, I got married.
Anyway, this is quick, I know. See you soon
F
28.12.09
11.12.09
The BEST.
Brandt found this very rare outing of one of my favourite (if not THE fave) Cerati song's ARTEFACTO from the last tour. It's a revamped dance version of it, which is absolutely amazing. Watch.
9.12.09
The Depressing Sounding Catch Up.
I don't even know where to start. I have neglected this blog so badly and I apologize. Looking at where I left off, which honestly isn't THAT long ago, seems like a lifetime. Well, it seems like it. I don't know how to catch you up. I figure, I'll ramble, you'll listen, and let's hope we can keep this bad boy together.
I've said this before, but as we reach the end of the 09, I can truthfully say this has been the weirdest and most surreal year of my life. Incredible highs and some of the most horrible lows I have ever experienced. It's been a year of drastic change. Some for the better some for the worst, and while I'm usually that optimistic guy, which you know if you read this blog regularly, I know there are some more speed bumps ahead. It's just how it is now. There's been a loss of innocence I didn't even realize I still possessed and I'm still trying to hold on to some of the things that made me ME. I lost a bit this year, but I also reclaimed some. It's a struggle.
As some of you know, I've been spending a good 50% if not more of my time out west. That's what's really holding this blog up. I have good friends and family there, like Vik, and I often get to see Cramp or Dr. Fury, but it's left me feeling displaced and anxious, especially when I'm NOT on a plane somewhere. I need to be on the move. I don't know why. It just is what it is. We should have toured more. (Ironically, I type at you from Laval, outside of Montreal, where I am spending the week locked up in my sister in law's house, watching my 11 year old nephew, my pride and joy, while she is away in China.)
Anyhow, the last trip really fucked me up. I think everything that happened this year professionally just caught up to me and kicked me in the ass in one fell swoop. My traditional "year end illness" came early and after three weeks of living on a couch, being away from home, and dealing with a ton of bullshit in the last 12 months, starting with the collapse of The Spirit, my body decided to just quit on me. Coupled with this was the horrible tragedy that saw our musical hero, Jerry, taken from us. It fucking crushed me in a very real way, a way that I still haven't figured out how to properly deal with yet. The distance of being so far away from it, while the guys were there, in it, dealing with it together, compounded the pain I was feeling. Honestly, Brooklyn seems completely different to me because this has happened. I go to his memorial website, http://jerryfuchs.net/ every day hoping to find a new nugget of information. A photo. A video. Anything to bring me a little closer.
So besides this trip to Montreal, which is uncle duty (something I welcome) I've made it so that I'll stay in NY for a spell to recharge and rev up for 2010, which will hopefully be a better year. Who the hell knows...
I'll try go get a little more positive in the next one. Hey, I got some concert tickets today, to see MUSE and EDITORS in 2010. That's a good start.
F
I've said this before, but as we reach the end of the 09, I can truthfully say this has been the weirdest and most surreal year of my life. Incredible highs and some of the most horrible lows I have ever experienced. It's been a year of drastic change. Some for the better some for the worst, and while I'm usually that optimistic guy, which you know if you read this blog regularly, I know there are some more speed bumps ahead. It's just how it is now. There's been a loss of innocence I didn't even realize I still possessed and I'm still trying to hold on to some of the things that made me ME. I lost a bit this year, but I also reclaimed some. It's a struggle.
As some of you know, I've been spending a good 50% if not more of my time out west. That's what's really holding this blog up. I have good friends and family there, like Vik, and I often get to see Cramp or Dr. Fury, but it's left me feeling displaced and anxious, especially when I'm NOT on a plane somewhere. I need to be on the move. I don't know why. It just is what it is. We should have toured more. (Ironically, I type at you from Laval, outside of Montreal, where I am spending the week locked up in my sister in law's house, watching my 11 year old nephew, my pride and joy, while she is away in China.)
Anyhow, the last trip really fucked me up. I think everything that happened this year professionally just caught up to me and kicked me in the ass in one fell swoop. My traditional "year end illness" came early and after three weeks of living on a couch, being away from home, and dealing with a ton of bullshit in the last 12 months, starting with the collapse of The Spirit, my body decided to just quit on me. Coupled with this was the horrible tragedy that saw our musical hero, Jerry, taken from us. It fucking crushed me in a very real way, a way that I still haven't figured out how to properly deal with yet. The distance of being so far away from it, while the guys were there, in it, dealing with it together, compounded the pain I was feeling. Honestly, Brooklyn seems completely different to me because this has happened. I go to his memorial website, http://jerryfuchs.net/ every day hoping to find a new nugget of information. A photo. A video. Anything to bring me a little closer.
So besides this trip to Montreal, which is uncle duty (something I welcome) I've made it so that I'll stay in NY for a spell to recharge and rev up for 2010, which will hopefully be a better year. Who the hell knows...
I'll try go get a little more positive in the next one. Hey, I got some concert tickets today, to see MUSE and EDITORS in 2010. That's a good start.
F
8.10.09
"OH THIS IS THE ONE, FRANK"
I'm sorry for the slower updates. Obviously, if you want the real time action, come see your hero on twitter under the Hypefactor name. Where am I? This time I'm in New York, where The Mrs. and I just bought an ill (read: didnt feel like going downtown) Vikki some comfort food at her posh yet sardine can like hotel room. mmmm soup. I've been back for almost a week, the longest stretch here since August and shit just keeps flying by. Sometimes it's hard to keep up but hey, screw you, its my blog and excuse the typos..
While this is on my mind, as I type I am listening to Ash's new set from a DJ even in Boulder, CO. You should download it and give it a spin as it's really ace: http://bayemv.wordpress.com/
Where have I been? You know, clowning around. I did some fun stuff in LA. Honestly, I spent a lot of time with kids during any of my free moments! I finally made it out to the new awesome new Cramp compound and saw the entire Cramp gang, including the twin lads, who I met for the first time!! The were awesome and it was a blast seeing Denise after a long spell. Of course, Ms. Bella Cramp, who is awesome and hilarious and charming, was a blast to play with. Here she is getting Uncle Frank a brownie:
After the Kids went to bed, Brad and I watched the wonderful CURB premiere as well as the new BORED TO DEATH, which has a lot of promise and you should check out. Good stuff. I also spent some time with Brad after this, hanging with our classmates from NYU, with whom we had our second reunion lunch, as seen here:
The weekend after was crazy chaotic! That Friday night, I finally saw the Manic Street Preachers for the first time ever at the Avalon in Hollywood. It sucked going by myself but they more than made up for it with a career spanning set that was played with a lot of energy and talent. They were worth the wait and I was really excited to see them again in NY, which G, Lurch and I did last night. And they were even better this time! NY, being that it is always the best to begin with, also has the awesome X-pats who go nuts, so last night was singalong for the ages and one of the best times I have had at a gig in ages. I literally only had one complaint and that is that they didn't play anything off of LIFEBLOOD, which Brandt and I swear by is their best album. Also, James Bradfield is a SICK SICK awesome guitarist, which was the pleasant surprise of the gigs. But it is interesting to note just how much better the NY crowds are.
Anyway, back in LA, I went to Disney for the first time in my adult life, this time with the wonderful Kruger kids. We had a lot of fun and while Ro and Avy are big time now and don't need to snuggle with an uncle, little Leia has taken up the slack. She loves me. I love her. We're tight and I got to carry her all over the place. This is what I saw waiting for me when I arrived and boy did my heart sing when I saw this little face:
I had a lot of fun watching the kids rock out. Eventually, Dr. Fury and I snuck off an did the INDY ride, which was huge and cool but a bit too short, and STAR TOURS which was hilariously out of date, but I was glad to see before they updated it. Then we had a fun dinner at Goofy's cafe. My comments about being in a gang with Goofy back in the day and telling the kids Goofy and Pluto were going to have a knife fight was met with puzzled looks. The food was actually really good, for some reason I expected it to be whatever, but I guess what these parents have to pay for all this shit, the least they can do is give them some good food, yeah?
Special thanks to Mr and Mrs Fury for inviting me and buying me a ticket and, as always, treating me like a rockstar. Also, it was cool meeting Fury's sister and of course I love these 3:
From Disney I fucking RACED in Saturday night traffic from Anaheim back to Hollywood to attend the Scott Ford Benefit gig at the Roxy. Scott is the bassist for the Twilight Singers, who for anyone who has read this blog more than once knows that they are a favourite around here. Scott has had horrible dental problems as late and his friends, many LA rock luminaries, put together a star studded gig to help raise money to pay for the tens of thousands this poor guy is going to spend to fix his mouth up. You can read all about the gig and Scott's plight here:
http://www.billboard.com/news/hollywood-rock-royalty-band-together-for-1004015137.story#/news/hollywood-rock-royalty-band-together-for-1004015137.story
Obviously, I went because Mr. Dulli himself was appearing. and appear he did, as you can see below:
The gig itself was fun and really well put together. Everyone from dulli to members of Guns N Roses, The Cult, Sex Pistols, MC5, Janes Addiction, and others all appeared and it was fun. Again, it kinda sucked being by myself, where the fuck is G when I need him, but it was worth it in the end for this :
But it got even better because, Yes, I finally met Dulli and he was cool. We had a brief chat in which we discussed WATCHMEN, BAYOU, the new album, and "THE AWESOME RESURRECTION OF JACKIE EARL HALEY" of whom Dulli is a big fan:
Obviously, as you can see, he was excited to meet the guy from Hypefactor.
So after a whirlwind few weeks in LA, and thanks as always to Vik and Em for housing me. I came back for my cousin Josh's wedding. He married a cool chick, Lisa, and it was fun getting my dad drunk.
Then we raced back from upstate to get to Carnegie Hall to see, AT LAST, Mr. Gavin Friday as he celebrated his 50th birthday. I think we had super fucking high expectations for this and it was going to be tough to live up to. For some, like the Kidd, it sucked, so he walked out at intermission, but for others, like me, it was fun, if poorly organized mixed bag of fun and silly. Honestly, it could have used some more Gavin on his own. Too many guests sometimes that took away from his awesomeness. However, I will give U2 a lot of credit as they played a bunch of Gavin covers and did a super job. Bono singing THE LAST SONG ILL EVER SING was a highlight. The best part was Gavin and Eric Mingus doing Caruso. Overall a good time, read about it here:
http://gavinfriday.com/2009/10/08/gavin-friday-and-friends-at-carnegie-hall-in-pictures/
And so, here I am, back in NY, for now, plotting the future out and hoping to get deeper into the mixing of the HF album this week. More soon!!
F
While this is on my mind, as I type I am listening to Ash's new set from a DJ even in Boulder, CO. You should download it and give it a spin as it's really ace: http://bayemv.wordpress.com/
Where have I been? You know, clowning around. I did some fun stuff in LA. Honestly, I spent a lot of time with kids during any of my free moments! I finally made it out to the new awesome new Cramp compound and saw the entire Cramp gang, including the twin lads, who I met for the first time!! The were awesome and it was a blast seeing Denise after a long spell. Of course, Ms. Bella Cramp, who is awesome and hilarious and charming, was a blast to play with. Here she is getting Uncle Frank a brownie:
After the Kids went to bed, Brad and I watched the wonderful CURB premiere as well as the new BORED TO DEATH, which has a lot of promise and you should check out. Good stuff. I also spent some time with Brad after this, hanging with our classmates from NYU, with whom we had our second reunion lunch, as seen here:
The weekend after was crazy chaotic! That Friday night, I finally saw the Manic Street Preachers for the first time ever at the Avalon in Hollywood. It sucked going by myself but they more than made up for it with a career spanning set that was played with a lot of energy and talent. They were worth the wait and I was really excited to see them again in NY, which G, Lurch and I did last night. And they were even better this time! NY, being that it is always the best to begin with, also has the awesome X-pats who go nuts, so last night was singalong for the ages and one of the best times I have had at a gig in ages. I literally only had one complaint and that is that they didn't play anything off of LIFEBLOOD, which Brandt and I swear by is their best album. Also, James Bradfield is a SICK SICK awesome guitarist, which was the pleasant surprise of the gigs. But it is interesting to note just how much better the NY crowds are.
Anyway, back in LA, I went to Disney for the first time in my adult life, this time with the wonderful Kruger kids. We had a lot of fun and while Ro and Avy are big time now and don't need to snuggle with an uncle, little Leia has taken up the slack. She loves me. I love her. We're tight and I got to carry her all over the place. This is what I saw waiting for me when I arrived and boy did my heart sing when I saw this little face:
I had a lot of fun watching the kids rock out. Eventually, Dr. Fury and I snuck off an did the INDY ride, which was huge and cool but a bit too short, and STAR TOURS which was hilariously out of date, but I was glad to see before they updated it. Then we had a fun dinner at Goofy's cafe. My comments about being in a gang with Goofy back in the day and telling the kids Goofy and Pluto were going to have a knife fight was met with puzzled looks. The food was actually really good, for some reason I expected it to be whatever, but I guess what these parents have to pay for all this shit, the least they can do is give them some good food, yeah?
Special thanks to Mr and Mrs Fury for inviting me and buying me a ticket and, as always, treating me like a rockstar. Also, it was cool meeting Fury's sister and of course I love these 3:
From Disney I fucking RACED in Saturday night traffic from Anaheim back to Hollywood to attend the Scott Ford Benefit gig at the Roxy. Scott is the bassist for the Twilight Singers, who for anyone who has read this blog more than once knows that they are a favourite around here. Scott has had horrible dental problems as late and his friends, many LA rock luminaries, put together a star studded gig to help raise money to pay for the tens of thousands this poor guy is going to spend to fix his mouth up. You can read all about the gig and Scott's plight here:
http://www.billboard.com/news/hollywood-rock-royalty-band-together-for-1004015137.story#/news/hollywood-rock-royalty-band-together-for-1004015137.story
Obviously, I went because Mr. Dulli himself was appearing. and appear he did, as you can see below:
The gig itself was fun and really well put together. Everyone from dulli to members of Guns N Roses, The Cult, Sex Pistols, MC5, Janes Addiction, and others all appeared and it was fun. Again, it kinda sucked being by myself, where the fuck is G when I need him, but it was worth it in the end for this :
But it got even better because, Yes, I finally met Dulli and he was cool. We had a brief chat in which we discussed WATCHMEN, BAYOU, the new album, and "THE AWESOME RESURRECTION OF JACKIE EARL HALEY" of whom Dulli is a big fan:
Obviously, as you can see, he was excited to meet the guy from Hypefactor.
So after a whirlwind few weeks in LA, and thanks as always to Vik and Em for housing me. I came back for my cousin Josh's wedding. He married a cool chick, Lisa, and it was fun getting my dad drunk.
Then we raced back from upstate to get to Carnegie Hall to see, AT LAST, Mr. Gavin Friday as he celebrated his 50th birthday. I think we had super fucking high expectations for this and it was going to be tough to live up to. For some, like the Kidd, it sucked, so he walked out at intermission, but for others, like me, it was fun, if poorly organized mixed bag of fun and silly. Honestly, it could have used some more Gavin on his own. Too many guests sometimes that took away from his awesomeness. However, I will give U2 a lot of credit as they played a bunch of Gavin covers and did a super job. Bono singing THE LAST SONG ILL EVER SING was a highlight. The best part was Gavin and Eric Mingus doing Caruso. Overall a good time, read about it here:
http://gavinfriday.com/2009/10/08/gavin-friday-and-friends-at-carnegie-hall-in-pictures/
And so, here I am, back in NY, for now, plotting the future out and hoping to get deeper into the mixing of the HF album this week. More soon!!
F
19.9.09
Natural Forces
Hello from Los Angeles, where I've been for the last 5 days or so and will be here until my cousin Josh's wedding in October. When it's said and done I'll have been in NY a total of 5 days in September. I miss it. But on the flipside, you know how antsy I get when I'm not on a plane or in another place after a long period.
The end of the summer was frustrating for several reasons. A. Work slows down and that makes me pissy and B. I didn't have a nephew around to keep me from thinking about point A. Luckily, we got the hell out of dodge for a bit before I went too nuts...
Summer came to a quiet end, but Fall began with me and the Mrs. flying 13 hours west to spend a week in Maui. Our friends were getting married there so we turned it into a nice little trip. We relaxed, swam, ate well, slept a lot, watched Nash Bridges, snorkled, found mint condition classic Will Eisner books (seriously) and just took it easy. Beautiful place and it was great seeing Jim and Carla finally make it legal. They also have the most adorable kids and we got to meet a lot of cool people. And I golfed. Yes. More like "golfed". Anyway, I lovely mini vacation that certainly was relaxing and fun.
I'm happy to report that this did lead to some musical progress where, literally before leaving for the Left Coast, your hero finished his long awaited vocals for the Hypefactor album. I believe I am finally done for this record and now there are some dubs and then the mix. It already sounds fucking great so I'm pretty excited. I've been listening to it quite a bit. This is the one. We have some stuff up on the myspace.com/hypefactor which is just the teaser kinda thing. Just a taste. MUCH MORE to come.
Now here in LA, it's the usual chaos. Vik's working like a maniac, so I am handling my usual dog walking/care responsibilities, which I have gotten much better at. The dog is awesome and we saw our Rabbit friend finally (twice tonight). Had a lovely sushi dinner with Dr. Fury last night, who I will be seeing again next week (WITH his wife and kids) and hoping to see The family cramp, milano mouth, and Bergoch before I go back. Tonight, kyle and I went to the Grove to see JENNIFER'S BODY which was pretty good. I'm not really on the whole Megan Fox thing, but she was right for the role, which had clever writing but so so execution at times. However, Adam Brody was enjoyable but Amy Sedaris is wasted in it.
Anyhow, lots on the plate, more work here, tons of shit to do, but also after 10 years, I will see the Manic Street Preachers here for the first time and then attend a benefit gig for Greg Dulli's bassist Scott Ford. Should be fun. When I get back to NY, I will finally cap off seeing EVERY fave band I have loved in my life by seeing Gavin Friday for the first time ever. That is going to be fucking awesome and a truly memorable evening.
My computer's hard drive bit the dust before I went to Hawaii, so I sent it and now have a nice working machine. I have decided to kill certain things though, like LAST FM, so you won't be able to track what I am listening to, but I am going to try and be more consistent in updating that stuff. Right now I am obsessively listening to the new Cerati, which ended up being the soundtrack to my summer and now I am really into Bernard Sumner's new band BAD LT, but I am not 100% sold on it yet. I definitely like it though! A lot. I'm anxiously awaiting albums from Ian Brown and Editors, both of which are very promising.
Anyhow, hopefully this catches us up a bit. Any questions, you know how to find me!
F
The end of the summer was frustrating for several reasons. A. Work slows down and that makes me pissy and B. I didn't have a nephew around to keep me from thinking about point A. Luckily, we got the hell out of dodge for a bit before I went too nuts...
Summer came to a quiet end, but Fall began with me and the Mrs. flying 13 hours west to spend a week in Maui. Our friends were getting married there so we turned it into a nice little trip. We relaxed, swam, ate well, slept a lot, watched Nash Bridges, snorkled, found mint condition classic Will Eisner books (seriously) and just took it easy. Beautiful place and it was great seeing Jim and Carla finally make it legal. They also have the most adorable kids and we got to meet a lot of cool people. And I golfed. Yes. More like "golfed". Anyway, I lovely mini vacation that certainly was relaxing and fun.
I'm happy to report that this did lead to some musical progress where, literally before leaving for the Left Coast, your hero finished his long awaited vocals for the Hypefactor album. I believe I am finally done for this record and now there are some dubs and then the mix. It already sounds fucking great so I'm pretty excited. I've been listening to it quite a bit. This is the one. We have some stuff up on the myspace.com/hypefactor which is just the teaser kinda thing. Just a taste. MUCH MORE to come.
Now here in LA, it's the usual chaos. Vik's working like a maniac, so I am handling my usual dog walking/care responsibilities, which I have gotten much better at. The dog is awesome and we saw our Rabbit friend finally (twice tonight). Had a lovely sushi dinner with Dr. Fury last night, who I will be seeing again next week (WITH his wife and kids) and hoping to see The family cramp, milano mouth, and Bergoch before I go back. Tonight, kyle and I went to the Grove to see JENNIFER'S BODY which was pretty good. I'm not really on the whole Megan Fox thing, but she was right for the role, which had clever writing but so so execution at times. However, Adam Brody was enjoyable but Amy Sedaris is wasted in it.
Anyhow, lots on the plate, more work here, tons of shit to do, but also after 10 years, I will see the Manic Street Preachers here for the first time and then attend a benefit gig for Greg Dulli's bassist Scott Ford. Should be fun. When I get back to NY, I will finally cap off seeing EVERY fave band I have loved in my life by seeing Gavin Friday for the first time ever. That is going to be fucking awesome and a truly memorable evening.
My computer's hard drive bit the dust before I went to Hawaii, so I sent it and now have a nice working machine. I have decided to kill certain things though, like LAST FM, so you won't be able to track what I am listening to, but I am going to try and be more consistent in updating that stuff. Right now I am obsessively listening to the new Cerati, which ended up being the soundtrack to my summer and now I am really into Bernard Sumner's new band BAD LT, but I am not 100% sold on it yet. I definitely like it though! A lot. I'm anxiously awaiting albums from Ian Brown and Editors, both of which are very promising.
Anyhow, hopefully this catches us up a bit. Any questions, you know how to find me!
F
31.8.09
28.8.09
Stop The Clocks.
A STATEMENT FROM NOEL
28 August 2009
“It’s with some sadness and great relief to tell you that I quit Oasis tonight. People will write and say what they like, but I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer.
“Apologies to all the people who bought tickets for the shows in Paris, Konstanz and Milan.”
Vikki called me, ironically while I was on her old block having dinner with, of all people, Mr. Gutterball Birthday Boy, to see if I had heard the news. I immediately hung up with her and checked the reliable sites, all of whom were just reporting the above. And what did G and I, lifelong Oasis fans from the start, do? We laughed!! What people, or should I say the Internet, seems to have forgotten (or not been old enough or alive to even know about) is that this happened with Oasis EVERY FUCKING WEEK in the mid to late 90's. Noel quits, Liam no shows, etc. etc. Its just that it's been so long with any real drama from them that this actually seems much more significant. Press releases. Rumours blah blah. What this all means is simply that the spotlight is back on the UK's greatest modern band (i know i know but it SOUNDS cool) and we (meaning me, who them IM's G) will be following it all with great interest until they get back together and make a great album. Hopefully. Regardless, no one is dead, music will come out it and the UK press has fodder for ages now.
As mentioned on my Twitter, you couldn't plot a better career move. Of COURSE they're not done...they never will be. Unlike some bands I've been in of course!
F
28 August 2009
“It’s with some sadness and great relief to tell you that I quit Oasis tonight. People will write and say what they like, but I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer.
“Apologies to all the people who bought tickets for the shows in Paris, Konstanz and Milan.”
Vikki called me, ironically while I was on her old block having dinner with, of all people, Mr. Gutterball Birthday Boy, to see if I had heard the news. I immediately hung up with her and checked the reliable sites, all of whom were just reporting the above. And what did G and I, lifelong Oasis fans from the start, do? We laughed!! What people, or should I say the Internet, seems to have forgotten (or not been old enough or alive to even know about) is that this happened with Oasis EVERY FUCKING WEEK in the mid to late 90's. Noel quits, Liam no shows, etc. etc. Its just that it's been so long with any real drama from them that this actually seems much more significant. Press releases. Rumours blah blah. What this all means is simply that the spotlight is back on the UK's greatest modern band (i know i know but it SOUNDS cool) and we (meaning me, who them IM's G) will be following it all with great interest until they get back together and make a great album. Hopefully. Regardless, no one is dead, music will come out it and the UK press has fodder for ages now.
As mentioned on my Twitter, you couldn't plot a better career move. Of COURSE they're not done...they never will be. Unlike some bands I've been in of course!
F
24.8.09
Waving Bye Bye
Plugging away here. Since my last message, it's been pretty much more of the same. Late nights at the studio, crooning. Got some parts knocked out. Tried to go a bit further on Friday night, but what I have learned is that I'm better earlier in the day at this singing business. However, the all Spanish language track OUR FAITH is finally done, and I even threw in some falsetto backing vocals, which I love doing. Still got some more to go, but some items have been checked off the list. It's now about placing little pieces of the place.
Meanwhile the artwork moves at a nice pace. My friend Stephen, from the band Great Tiger (http://www.myspace.com/wearegreattiger) is helping us out and rocking it. I wanted to give them a plug here. Hopefully I can snag a remix from them. They're young, hungry and nice guys. Playing soon.
Been getting some MOGpac social time as well. Had a lovely pre-studio dinner with the Mattagement where I downed pretzels, beers and Veal, which is tasty but not good for the frontman figure. Yesterday was my G day, as he and I went to see INGLORIOUS BASTERDS only to have the projector break 5 minutes into the goddamn movie. They couldn't fix it, so the showing was canceled! What the hell! The show after was already sold out so we were fucked and G has to live another day to see his new hero, BJ Novak. So G and I did what men do, we went to Ippudo, drank beer and ate pork buns and later watched Summerslam.
Saturday night, however, was the highlight. Thanks to Vikki, the Mrs and I went to the opening night of the final leg of the final Nine Inch Nails tour, which happened to take place at the teeny tiny (for them) Bowery Ballroom. If you follow this blog, over the last 4 years or so I have tracked Trent's resurrection and it's been nothing but surprise after surprise. Amazingly, this show was easily one of my top ten all time gigs and luckily none of my former or current bandmates were there because I think I was this close to being like LET'S GET THE BAND BACK TOGETHER CAUSE INDUSTRIAL ROCK IS AWESOME. That didn't happen, and I'm back to reality now, but this was one of those very very very special gigs that you take to the grave (relax, you goth). I seriously thought the building was going to collapse, the place was shaking. The musicianship was off the charts and it was great to see it and appreciate it that close up. I am stil shocked they fit in this venue! But what it was really about were the track choices.
Check out this setlist:
1. Somewhat Damaged
2. The Beginning Of The End
3. Last
4. The Collector
5. Discipline
6. March Of The Pigs
7. Something I Can Never Have
8. Reptile
9. Meet Your Master
10. Banged And Blown Through
11. Burn
12. Gave Up
13. La Mer
14. Non-Entity
15. Gone, Still
16. The Downward Spiral
17. Wish
18. Heresy
19. Survivalism
20. Down In It
21. Hurt
22. The Hand That Feeds
23. Head Like A Hole
Encore
24. Echoplex
25. The Good Soldier
26. Dead Souls
27. In This Twilight
I'll get some pix up soon. Now mind, you, the next night Matt saw them do The Downward Spiral in its entirety for the first and probably last time ever. Which is amazing. The other gigs will be entirely different. So I think this entire tour is going to be a win win for everyone who goes to these gigs because they ain't getting the same set twice. It's a culmination of having a great band, a super back catalogue, and a true understanding/rapport with your fanbase. Hopefully some of you will see this. I hope there is a DVD of it, though I heard the Webster douches wouldn't let them film. Livenation, genius a-holes.
Anyway, that's the latest. Hopefully you are watching HUNG, which is amazing. What a show. More soon.
F
Meanwhile the artwork moves at a nice pace. My friend Stephen, from the band Great Tiger (http://www.myspace.com/wearegreattiger) is helping us out and rocking it. I wanted to give them a plug here. Hopefully I can snag a remix from them. They're young, hungry and nice guys. Playing soon.
Been getting some MOGpac social time as well. Had a lovely pre-studio dinner with the Mattagement where I downed pretzels, beers and Veal, which is tasty but not good for the frontman figure. Yesterday was my G day, as he and I went to see INGLORIOUS BASTERDS only to have the projector break 5 minutes into the goddamn movie. They couldn't fix it, so the showing was canceled! What the hell! The show after was already sold out so we were fucked and G has to live another day to see his new hero, BJ Novak. So G and I did what men do, we went to Ippudo, drank beer and ate pork buns and later watched Summerslam.
Saturday night, however, was the highlight. Thanks to Vikki, the Mrs and I went to the opening night of the final leg of the final Nine Inch Nails tour, which happened to take place at the teeny tiny (for them) Bowery Ballroom. If you follow this blog, over the last 4 years or so I have tracked Trent's resurrection and it's been nothing but surprise after surprise. Amazingly, this show was easily one of my top ten all time gigs and luckily none of my former or current bandmates were there because I think I was this close to being like LET'S GET THE BAND BACK TOGETHER CAUSE INDUSTRIAL ROCK IS AWESOME. That didn't happen, and I'm back to reality now, but this was one of those very very very special gigs that you take to the grave (relax, you goth). I seriously thought the building was going to collapse, the place was shaking. The musicianship was off the charts and it was great to see it and appreciate it that close up. I am stil shocked they fit in this venue! But what it was really about were the track choices.
Check out this setlist:
1. Somewhat Damaged
2. The Beginning Of The End
3. Last
4. The Collector
5. Discipline
6. March Of The Pigs
7. Something I Can Never Have
8. Reptile
9. Meet Your Master
10. Banged And Blown Through
11. Burn
12. Gave Up
13. La Mer
14. Non-Entity
15. Gone, Still
16. The Downward Spiral
17. Wish
18. Heresy
19. Survivalism
20. Down In It
21. Hurt
22. The Hand That Feeds
23. Head Like A Hole
Encore
24. Echoplex
25. The Good Soldier
26. Dead Souls
27. In This Twilight
I'll get some pix up soon. Now mind, you, the next night Matt saw them do The Downward Spiral in its entirety for the first and probably last time ever. Which is amazing. The other gigs will be entirely different. So I think this entire tour is going to be a win win for everyone who goes to these gigs because they ain't getting the same set twice. It's a culmination of having a great band, a super back catalogue, and a true understanding/rapport with your fanbase. Hopefully some of you will see this. I hope there is a DVD of it, though I heard the Webster douches wouldn't let them film. Livenation, genius a-holes.
Anyway, that's the latest. Hopefully you are watching HUNG, which is amazing. What a show. More soon.
F
19.8.09
Business and Theft
Oi, this is a random blog. You missed this shit right? I missed you. Goddamn Air Con is not up to snuff here. Fuck that.
God, what is going on. It's that quiet end of August period where I get cranky for the Fall to kick in so I can get to work on some shit. I don't even have my nephew here this time!! But, hey, we're trying to finish an album here, and we even have a list of stuff left to do, which is me SINGING some more. But it's recorded. It's awesome. Sounds great. I listen to it all the time. Brandt knocked this fucking thing out of the park. It sounds huge. We gotta mix it, but a lot of the work is done. I sat in a quiet Irish bar the other night with both Brandt and Ash and discussed the next steps. It feels good.
While they take care of the tech and I avoid the singing, I handle all the "business" that the former guitarist (and possible mail thief) of the aggression would lecture Ash and I about while he was "playing his instrument EVERY DAY" (that dumb fucking story is for the eventual book). What business is this? It's stuff like the album sleeve, which is basically this:
It's a piece from the photographer Grant Hamilton (http://sxseventy.com/), who Jessie turned me onto. I reached out to him and he was VERY cool and agreed to let us use the piece in exchange for using some HF tunes in his documentary about the death of polaroid film. Cool right? Grant and his wife, Sara, are really sweet and talented.
So I am in the process of putting the credits, publishing, etc. all together and the question has been: How to release it? It's been some time since I put out a record and obviously the world has changed , so I think the best thing would be to put it out ourselves, which in the old days was a sign of weakness but now a sign of independence. Also, we've spent so much time on it, that I want it out ASAP. We can get out it out digitally quick and we have decided to press some CD's as well. Because of the digital age, the price has gone down quite a bit. Thus, the new Hypefactor album will come out as a CD in something called an Eco Wallet. It sounds all green, which my Mrs will love, but I couldn't give a fuck. It looks cool. I'd press a disc in radioactive shit if it looked cool. Anyway. It will be a killer album sleeve and an amazing album. I'll probably give it to you.
So in the "Can You Believe This One?" Department, the OTHER former guitarist, the founding one, decides to ask for copies of the aggression back catalogue. Presumably he needs a second set for his second child, which of course, I understand as this child should be started off proper. So me, being truly a NICE MAN, goes and puts together a package of our entire run and even shit he wasn't on, and busted my ass and mailed it out (read: sent the intern to the post office). It arrives the next day and is promptly fucking STOLEN by mail thieves. On Long Island? Wait, what? There's a lot of mystery there as how did he fucking know it was there in the first place, etc. Now when you think about it, who the fuck is going to steal a package of the aggression's history. Then I realized that EVERY former guitar player is out there in Suffolk and is probably dying for copies of the best years their lives. It's like fucking industrial Law and Order. Well this will now lead to the aggression founders luncheon this week in New York City. Yes, another set of discs will be handed over. G has questions.
So this is just a quick update. Hope you're not sweating your fat ass off like I am.
God, what is going on. It's that quiet end of August period where I get cranky for the Fall to kick in so I can get to work on some shit. I don't even have my nephew here this time!! But, hey, we're trying to finish an album here, and we even have a list of stuff left to do, which is me SINGING some more. But it's recorded. It's awesome. Sounds great. I listen to it all the time. Brandt knocked this fucking thing out of the park. It sounds huge. We gotta mix it, but a lot of the work is done. I sat in a quiet Irish bar the other night with both Brandt and Ash and discussed the next steps. It feels good.
While they take care of the tech and I avoid the singing, I handle all the "business" that the former guitarist (and possible mail thief) of the aggression would lecture Ash and I about while he was "playing his instrument EVERY DAY" (that dumb fucking story is for the eventual book). What business is this? It's stuff like the album sleeve, which is basically this:
It's a piece from the photographer Grant Hamilton (http://sxseventy.com/), who Jessie turned me onto. I reached out to him and he was VERY cool and agreed to let us use the piece in exchange for using some HF tunes in his documentary about the death of polaroid film. Cool right? Grant and his wife, Sara, are really sweet and talented.
So I am in the process of putting the credits, publishing, etc. all together and the question has been: How to release it? It's been some time since I put out a record and obviously the world has changed , so I think the best thing would be to put it out ourselves, which in the old days was a sign of weakness but now a sign of independence. Also, we've spent so much time on it, that I want it out ASAP. We can get out it out digitally quick and we have decided to press some CD's as well. Because of the digital age, the price has gone down quite a bit. Thus, the new Hypefactor album will come out as a CD in something called an Eco Wallet. It sounds all green, which my Mrs will love, but I couldn't give a fuck. It looks cool. I'd press a disc in radioactive shit if it looked cool. Anyway. It will be a killer album sleeve and an amazing album. I'll probably give it to you.
So in the "Can You Believe This One?" Department, the OTHER former guitarist, the founding one, decides to ask for copies of the aggression back catalogue. Presumably he needs a second set for his second child, which of course, I understand as this child should be started off proper. So me, being truly a NICE MAN, goes and puts together a package of our entire run and even shit he wasn't on, and busted my ass and mailed it out (read: sent the intern to the post office). It arrives the next day and is promptly fucking STOLEN by mail thieves. On Long Island? Wait, what? There's a lot of mystery there as how did he fucking know it was there in the first place, etc. Now when you think about it, who the fuck is going to steal a package of the aggression's history. Then I realized that EVERY former guitar player is out there in Suffolk and is probably dying for copies of the best years their lives. It's like fucking industrial Law and Order. Well this will now lead to the aggression founders luncheon this week in New York City. Yes, another set of discs will be handed over. G has questions.
So this is just a quick update. Hope you're not sweating your fat ass off like I am.
15.8.09
Proud Uncle
I know I talk about my nephew a lot. He's my best pal. I'm really excited to learn that he's taking his creativity to the next level by not only by continuing his passion, drawing, but also by creating his own blog...Check it out...
http://onekidarmy.blogspot.com/
I'm his #1 fan.
F
http://onekidarmy.blogspot.com/
I'm his #1 fan.
F
6.8.09
Fuck Continuity
Hello from New York. Where we last left off, I was in Los Angeles where I stayed much longer than anticipated. This past Saturday, I raced back on a red eye to see my wife and Depeche Mode. Married life? Remind me...I know I'm married, I remember getting married, but I don't recall being allowed to enjoy it! However, I think the Mrs liked having the place to herself for a bit. I realize now I have to treat this blog like I do comics, without any chronological sense or understanding of the past. Basically, Fuck Continuity...
This was my longest non-shooting related stretch away from New York I think ever. It was a constant routine of WAKEUPWALKDOGMEETINGMEETINGMEETINGANOTHERMEETINGEATMEETINGMEETINGMEETINGWALKDOGHANGOUTWITHLOCALWLDRABBITSLEEP. I had one day off and slept in a bed once in San Diego. However, I did get a lot of quality time with some good folks and animals. I love Vikki's dog, Emmy, and we became BFF. At nights we would visit the local rabbit, which was always fun. The weather was, you know, LA, hot as fuck during the day but nice at night (better than NYC I'm told!). I was racing all day every day and passing out early every night and waking up every morning with kisses from a puppy. I ate (TWO Cabrea trips! 5 In and Out trips, and ye, I bought some home) but didn't exercise nearly enough as I want to and I feel like an entire year of exercising was like destroyed in three weeks. I'm probably overreacting, but you know...
This is where I gotta declare the awesomeness of Vikki, who has become the #1 supporter of all things F in LA. She houses me, she feeds me, and deals with my constant ball busting and general wise assness. In return, I watched the entire first season of the original MIAMI VICE with her, which brought daily joy. Noticed that everyone wore a gold chain back then. She let me walk the dog, which of course, I loved. So big public thanks to Vik who is unfortunately going to have to deal with my annoying ass for the forseeable future. Unless I get a place in LA. But let's not jump ahead.
Vik and I got to hang out with Carrie and Sarrsgard at the ORPHAN premiere. It was hilariously good and not what I expected. I never would have seen this movie otherwise, but honestly I'm glad we did. We went as an excuse to see the elusive Byalick and Vik was dying to try the restaurant the afterparty was being held at. Sarrsgard and I compared wedding notes while Vik ran into very old friends and then she made me stalk Robert Downey, which was silly, cause Byalick woulda introduced us. That man oozes charisma in a natural and unpretentious way. He's amazing. He basically IS Tony Stark.
While this is not chronological, I got to catch up with a lot of my LA friends. It was great to see Leo who, as I type is about to finish his contributions to the HF album this week. he just got engaged. Nice one. Spent some time with my mother in law, who fed me, of course, but then she hopped to the Canadia to hog her grandson, my best pally. I got a lot of Cramp time, which was awesome. both in LA and SD. We had some fine meals and beers. I'm so glad I've got friends like this in that damned city. But here is me and my newest friend, Baby Bea, daughter of the legendary HARBOUR:
San Diego was the centerpiece of the trip. It was nuts. Saw some awesome stuff, including the AVATAR footage, the entirety of DISTRICT 9 (which is now one of my fave movies this year), and the ultraviolent NINJA ASSASSIN, which I have some Korean pride for as Rain is the star, but the movie was just ok. However, fun all around. Except the TWILIGHT panel, which was annoying and silly, but hey.
Comic Con has become Sundance. I realized this while sitting at a table with Freddy Krueger and Vik and staring at agents who were eating and drinking for free on a hotel rooftop. This made me angry. Vik would say belligerent. The Kidd kindly pointed out to me that I too was eating and drinking for free and was in fact double fisting at that moment and I should shut the hell up. He was right.
Here, check this out, you can see me, Vik and maybe Hoffman at the Tron inspired Flynn's Arcade, which was part of the new TRON LEGACY viral campaign: http://www.joystiq.com/photos/comic-con-2009-flynns-arcade-2/2165879/ (THANKS EMILY)
Here's me and the Kidd at the ULTRAFUCKINGEXCLUSIVE (I just wanted to say that) Wrath of Con Party, drunk and ready to watch some wrestling (we accosted the Motor City Machine Guns after this)
This was the total highlight of the Con, lunch with Dave Filoni, the mastermind behind the entire STAR WARS CLONE WARS animated series. Here with my friend Jaime (who does the voice of the bounty under Aurra Singh on the show), Dave drew some sketches in my new ART OF CLONE WARS book. What a treat! He and his crew of Lucasladies are fucking top notch treated me, Kyle and other SW geeks with nothing but first class. They got us VIP into the SW Spectacular, and then we all got hammered later at the Wrath party. Awesome. This was the most surreal lunch ever as it started with Star Wars geeks and then morphed into lunch with the Dandy Warhols. Not kidding.
Anyway, it was great to get a lot of time with friends like Vik, The Kidd, Hoffman, Kitamura, Hans, BenDavid and Amanda, Mel, Jacks, Katz, Marc, Ric, and especially Kyle and Jaime who treated me like royalty. Also fun to meet a lot of new people like Dusty, Jamie, Meagan, Hank, Cindy, The Aspen crew, Daniels, the Machineguns, Jon, Jennifer, and a lot of others I can't think of at the moment.
Then it was back to LA for even more whirlwind adventures. I won't bore you with it all. I'm exhausted typing this. I'm sure I will remember more, but right now, I am sure this is more than enough to satisfy your desire for my written words.
Until next time...
F
This was my longest non-shooting related stretch away from New York I think ever. It was a constant routine of WAKEUPWALKDOGMEETINGMEETINGMEETINGANOTHERMEETINGEATMEETINGMEETINGMEETINGWALKDOGHANGOUTWITHLOCALWLDRABBITSLEEP. I had one day off and slept in a bed once in San Diego. However, I did get a lot of quality time with some good folks and animals. I love Vikki's dog, Emmy, and we became BFF. At nights we would visit the local rabbit, which was always fun. The weather was, you know, LA, hot as fuck during the day but nice at night (better than NYC I'm told!). I was racing all day every day and passing out early every night and waking up every morning with kisses from a puppy. I ate (TWO Cabrea trips! 5 In and Out trips, and ye, I bought some home) but didn't exercise nearly enough as I want to and I feel like an entire year of exercising was like destroyed in three weeks. I'm probably overreacting, but you know...
This is where I gotta declare the awesomeness of Vikki, who has become the #1 supporter of all things F in LA. She houses me, she feeds me, and deals with my constant ball busting and general wise assness. In return, I watched the entire first season of the original MIAMI VICE with her, which brought daily joy. Noticed that everyone wore a gold chain back then. She let me walk the dog, which of course, I loved. So big public thanks to Vik who is unfortunately going to have to deal with my annoying ass for the forseeable future. Unless I get a place in LA. But let's not jump ahead.
Vik and I got to hang out with Carrie and Sarrsgard at the ORPHAN premiere. It was hilariously good and not what I expected. I never would have seen this movie otherwise, but honestly I'm glad we did. We went as an excuse to see the elusive Byalick and Vik was dying to try the restaurant the afterparty was being held at. Sarrsgard and I compared wedding notes while Vik ran into very old friends and then she made me stalk Robert Downey, which was silly, cause Byalick woulda introduced us. That man oozes charisma in a natural and unpretentious way. He's amazing. He basically IS Tony Stark.
While this is not chronological, I got to catch up with a lot of my LA friends. It was great to see Leo who, as I type is about to finish his contributions to the HF album this week. he just got engaged. Nice one. Spent some time with my mother in law, who fed me, of course, but then she hopped to the Canadia to hog her grandson, my best pally. I got a lot of Cramp time, which was awesome. both in LA and SD. We had some fine meals and beers. I'm so glad I've got friends like this in that damned city. But here is me and my newest friend, Baby Bea, daughter of the legendary HARBOUR:
San Diego was the centerpiece of the trip. It was nuts. Saw some awesome stuff, including the AVATAR footage, the entirety of DISTRICT 9 (which is now one of my fave movies this year), and the ultraviolent NINJA ASSASSIN, which I have some Korean pride for as Rain is the star, but the movie was just ok. However, fun all around. Except the TWILIGHT panel, which was annoying and silly, but hey.
Comic Con has become Sundance. I realized this while sitting at a table with Freddy Krueger and Vik and staring at agents who were eating and drinking for free on a hotel rooftop. This made me angry. Vik would say belligerent. The Kidd kindly pointed out to me that I too was eating and drinking for free and was in fact double fisting at that moment and I should shut the hell up. He was right.
Here, check this out, you can see me, Vik and maybe Hoffman at the Tron inspired Flynn's Arcade, which was part of the new TRON LEGACY viral campaign: http://www.joystiq.com/photos/comic-con-2009-flynns-arcade-2/2165879/ (THANKS EMILY)
Here's me and the Kidd at the ULTRAFUCKINGEXCLUSIVE (I just wanted to say that) Wrath of Con Party, drunk and ready to watch some wrestling (we accosted the Motor City Machine Guns after this)
This was the total highlight of the Con, lunch with Dave Filoni, the mastermind behind the entire STAR WARS CLONE WARS animated series. Here with my friend Jaime (who does the voice of the bounty under Aurra Singh on the show), Dave drew some sketches in my new ART OF CLONE WARS book. What a treat! He and his crew of Lucasladies are fucking top notch treated me, Kyle and other SW geeks with nothing but first class. They got us VIP into the SW Spectacular, and then we all got hammered later at the Wrath party. Awesome. This was the most surreal lunch ever as it started with Star Wars geeks and then morphed into lunch with the Dandy Warhols. Not kidding.
Anyway, it was great to get a lot of time with friends like Vik, The Kidd, Hoffman, Kitamura, Hans, BenDavid and Amanda, Mel, Jacks, Katz, Marc, Ric, and especially Kyle and Jaime who treated me like royalty. Also fun to meet a lot of new people like Dusty, Jamie, Meagan, Hank, Cindy, The Aspen crew, Daniels, the Machineguns, Jon, Jennifer, and a lot of others I can't think of at the moment.
Then it was back to LA for even more whirlwind adventures. I won't bore you with it all. I'm exhausted typing this. I'm sure I will remember more, but right now, I am sure this is more than enough to satisfy your desire for my written words.
Until next time...
F
20.7.09
Straight offa Wooster Street
Hello from Los Angeles, where I have been the past week and will be here for at least another, with a pit stop to come later this week when Comic Con goes down in San Diego. That will be worth following the Twitter for as there is a larger than usual MOG contingent coming this year, including me, Vik, The Kidd, Cramp and even Byalick supposedly. It's gonna be nuts. Hopefully productive as well.
How are you all doing? Is it Summer yet? Today was the first real hot day I can recall. Hard to tell you, as I have been trapped in a car all week racing from meeting to meeting. I've also eaten too goddamn much and I didn't realize how hot it is to go running. Hard to be in a proper routine or schedule when you don't actually live here. The closest thing I have to a schedule is walking this puppy, who I make run with me:
This trip has been a great way for me to deal with my pet envy. I'm getting better at handling a dog, stern when needed, understanding the personality, etc. Maybe I suck. I don't know. But I doubt Vik would let me spend all this time with her. There is an awesome Wild Rabbit on the block and the dog and I spend time staring at it. I am fascinated by Rabbits. Maybe it's because I'm part Asian. I don't know.
Honestly, I'm not very exciting. At least not blogwise. I work all day. Meetings all over town. Hustlin'. Trying to make shit happen. There is some progress. I've been fortunate enough to eat at my beloved Ca'brea twice and to eat tons of Korean food. I helped a young writer prepare for her first meeting with one of the biggest asshole agents I have ever met. I drink a lot of tea. I had in and out when I landed. I read BLACKEST NIGHT. I ate some of the best Japanese food I ever had in the US. I went to Meltodown for a Toy opening with Brad and Vik. Mark Hamill's son created the toy. I think he is Vikki's friend. I saw my mother in law, who took me for above mentioned Korean food. Today I had a meeting in Venice, then tonight I played Lazer Tag for the first time in 15 years and it was amazing. Thank you Kyle Newman for making that happen! Oh, and I convinced some people that Dan Hamill has herpes. Nice One.
Anyhow, while I am in San Diego, my sidekick himself arrives here to spend two weeks with his grandma, so hopefully I will see my small pal for a bit before I got back to NY, though honestly, right now, I don't know when I go back to NY.
But keep in touch, obviously.
F
How are you all doing? Is it Summer yet? Today was the first real hot day I can recall. Hard to tell you, as I have been trapped in a car all week racing from meeting to meeting. I've also eaten too goddamn much and I didn't realize how hot it is to go running. Hard to be in a proper routine or schedule when you don't actually live here. The closest thing I have to a schedule is walking this puppy, who I make run with me:
This trip has been a great way for me to deal with my pet envy. I'm getting better at handling a dog, stern when needed, understanding the personality, etc. Maybe I suck. I don't know. But I doubt Vik would let me spend all this time with her. There is an awesome Wild Rabbit on the block and the dog and I spend time staring at it. I am fascinated by Rabbits. Maybe it's because I'm part Asian. I don't know.
Honestly, I'm not very exciting. At least not blogwise. I work all day. Meetings all over town. Hustlin'. Trying to make shit happen. There is some progress. I've been fortunate enough to eat at my beloved Ca'brea twice and to eat tons of Korean food. I helped a young writer prepare for her first meeting with one of the biggest asshole agents I have ever met. I drink a lot of tea. I had in and out when I landed. I read BLACKEST NIGHT. I ate some of the best Japanese food I ever had in the US. I went to Meltodown for a Toy opening with Brad and Vik. Mark Hamill's son created the toy. I think he is Vikki's friend. I saw my mother in law, who took me for above mentioned Korean food. Today I had a meeting in Venice, then tonight I played Lazer Tag for the first time in 15 years and it was amazing. Thank you Kyle Newman for making that happen! Oh, and I convinced some people that Dan Hamill has herpes. Nice One.
Anyhow, while I am in San Diego, my sidekick himself arrives here to spend two weeks with his grandma, so hopefully I will see my small pal for a bit before I got back to NY, though honestly, right now, I don't know when I go back to NY.
But keep in touch, obviously.
F
5.7.09
Please Don't Suck.
Been lucky with the anticipated albums so far this year. This is a big one and I'm hoping to hear this in the next few weeks and making it the other soundtrack of the Summer (Kasabian and Dossier being the other two)
F
Was There Then.
I don't even know where to start, honestly. Most of you know where I've been. I was in Austin, I was in LA, I was back in NY, then in Rhinebeck. Did some fun stuff, wore a Matador costume, worked on some music, clowned around, oh and got married. I doubt I can get everything down, so I'm just gonna post some random stuff. I know this is going to sound like a cop out, but if you're really in a more immediate fix of Frank (and some of you HAVE complained), follow the Twitter/Facebook crap. I've just realized I can post to this blog from my phone, but I don't know. There's something personal about taking the time to type this. Who knows.
So here is just the random shit in maybe some kind of order....
In May, I went to LA to start what is considered the next stage in my career. What that is, I'm not sure yet, I just do what I do. It's tricky. It's a weird time in an odd business. The true question is, can I do what I'm good at here in NY or do I have to spend more time in LA? Well, a week from tomorrow, I am off to LA for two solid weeks (San Diego Comic Con comes in between that), so I'm still trying to find some answers. This honestly is the current great source of stress in my post married life. Stay tuned. Anyhow, the previous LA trip was a whirlwind only because I had to race back to go to the bachelor weekend in Austin...
Austin was quite possibly the best weekend of my life. Believe me, I have had a lot of good weekends, but this might be the one. No, it wasn't the insane, police being called in weekend we are normally associated with. This was the grown up version of the MOGpac, collected as a whole for the first time ever in one place enjoying each other's company and providing just awesome positive vibes the entire time. These guys SPOILED me. They put me up at the 4 seasons, fed me, clothed me (in full Matador gear), and even took me to go see the Juan Maclean. And we saw a million bats. Yes, bats. Awesome.
I wore shorts and swam for the first time since Kruger got married in Hawaii, twice no less, drank insane amounts of ice tea and beer, and ate like a king. But honestly, it was about hanging out with these guys. There's nothing better than just getting on that plane with a bunch of the MOGpac knowing we are going to fly off to some cool adventure. Even just having a few beers in the terminal waiting for the plane or sitting on the plane waiting to take off was like a massive adrenaline shot! I love traveling with them, being in some place new and just, I don't know, being. I don't think anyone has a better group of friends than I do, really. Each one of them was a fucking man and a half. To think each one of these guys took the time to come hang out with me in Texas is so beyond flattering. I feel very lucky. And if you see me, ask me what we did before we left. Something aggression related. Cheers, Nice one.
Back in NY, Brandt and I got into the serious home stretch on the HF album. This is the real fucking deal this time. I know this because he keeps sending me demos that sound better than most people's albums and then doesn't complain. This is a good sign. I recorded him playing guitars. I sang. I have some more singing to do. It sounds like a fucking ALBUM. We just sent some stuff off to Leo to finish. Saintface himself is done. We are fucking READY. Speaking of the band, here is the ENTIRE Hypefactor band in one room for the first time ever:
Another band tidbit, Jared got in touch with me to have us contribute a track to a 4 CD compilation to benefit Cancer research. It's being put together by Jim Semonik, who is a well known figure in the PA scene. He basically booked everyone in that area and to poor guy has been battling cancer, but remains industrial tough. When speaking with Jim, it turns out he was at the last ever aggression gig and knows his Hypefactor. I'm so flattered we will be a part of this project and it's a wet dream roster of bands, including new Chemlab, which I am dead excited about.
So while this is going on, the wedding happened on June 20th. I'm not bullshitting you when I tell you that this whole weekend of activities went down without one hiccup and without any drama. This was somewhat similar to the bachelor weekend in that this was mostly asshole-free, which made it even better.
Honestly, I can't think of a thing I would do differently. The journey to this even had a few moments of drama, but honestly, I expected far worse and I have seen some BAD weddings and wedding build ups in my time. This was a piece of cake. Oh speaking of cake, we didn't have any. Screw that, we had DONUTS. With STAR WARS figures on them. The real deal. The bride was a knockout and she was in good form. We ate well and we got what we had hoped for: a big party that everyone could celebrate and have a good time at.
As one of our visitors, Skott from SF, said "You've managed to take a surgical knife and excise everything I hate about weddings right out of this wedding" (or something like that). That was the general consensus. Even my Dad, who can find fault in anything (similar to my wife), still is raving about the weekend. Maybe it was because he was up till 3am every night in the hotel bar holding court with our friends. Who knows.
Speaking of the hotel, the Ace Hotel, which is brand spanking new on 29th and Broadway kicked a lot of ass. My only true regret that whole weekend was not getting enough time to hang out there. Meanwhile, the Mrs gets two days in a huge fucking suite that I got to sleep in 4 hours total. Oh well. There's honestly too much to write about this wedding/event thing, so I'll leave it at that. It was an awesome day, a perfect weekend and the start of bigger and better things.
There were only two things I wanted at this wedding. Here's one of them:
The other was, and this is fact, the Dossier album, which, while not finished was giving to me by Saintface himself along with a disc of Saintface Demos and unreleased stuff. I'm not joking that I wanted this very badly. All that was coming were freaking Crate and Barrel boxes, which means I will eat well in my adult life, and have been, but it was nice to get something unusual ;-) B and I also saw them play a few times during this hiatus and checked out SVI last weekend as well.
Lastly, we saw TRANSFORMERS 2, written of course by the co best man. I liked this movie more than the first one, which I loathe, but at least I could tell you what this movie is about. Also, the fight in the forest is very fucking impressive. I hope Dr. Fury comes back for a third one, so my nephew can grill him some more.
Anyway, hopefully this blog is back in business, as we say in backyard wrestling. I have nephew here now for the week and then it's off to LA. Let's try and stay in touch, ok?
F
So here is just the random shit in maybe some kind of order....
In May, I went to LA to start what is considered the next stage in my career. What that is, I'm not sure yet, I just do what I do. It's tricky. It's a weird time in an odd business. The true question is, can I do what I'm good at here in NY or do I have to spend more time in LA? Well, a week from tomorrow, I am off to LA for two solid weeks (San Diego Comic Con comes in between that), so I'm still trying to find some answers. This honestly is the current great source of stress in my post married life. Stay tuned. Anyhow, the previous LA trip was a whirlwind only because I had to race back to go to the bachelor weekend in Austin...
Austin was quite possibly the best weekend of my life. Believe me, I have had a lot of good weekends, but this might be the one. No, it wasn't the insane, police being called in weekend we are normally associated with. This was the grown up version of the MOGpac, collected as a whole for the first time ever in one place enjoying each other's company and providing just awesome positive vibes the entire time. These guys SPOILED me. They put me up at the 4 seasons, fed me, clothed me (in full Matador gear), and even took me to go see the Juan Maclean. And we saw a million bats. Yes, bats. Awesome.
I wore shorts and swam for the first time since Kruger got married in Hawaii, twice no less, drank insane amounts of ice tea and beer, and ate like a king. But honestly, it was about hanging out with these guys. There's nothing better than just getting on that plane with a bunch of the MOGpac knowing we are going to fly off to some cool adventure. Even just having a few beers in the terminal waiting for the plane or sitting on the plane waiting to take off was like a massive adrenaline shot! I love traveling with them, being in some place new and just, I don't know, being. I don't think anyone has a better group of friends than I do, really. Each one of them was a fucking man and a half. To think each one of these guys took the time to come hang out with me in Texas is so beyond flattering. I feel very lucky. And if you see me, ask me what we did before we left. Something aggression related. Cheers, Nice one.
Back in NY, Brandt and I got into the serious home stretch on the HF album. This is the real fucking deal this time. I know this because he keeps sending me demos that sound better than most people's albums and then doesn't complain. This is a good sign. I recorded him playing guitars. I sang. I have some more singing to do. It sounds like a fucking ALBUM. We just sent some stuff off to Leo to finish. Saintface himself is done. We are fucking READY. Speaking of the band, here is the ENTIRE Hypefactor band in one room for the first time ever:
Another band tidbit, Jared got in touch with me to have us contribute a track to a 4 CD compilation to benefit Cancer research. It's being put together by Jim Semonik, who is a well known figure in the PA scene. He basically booked everyone in that area and to poor guy has been battling cancer, but remains industrial tough. When speaking with Jim, it turns out he was at the last ever aggression gig and knows his Hypefactor. I'm so flattered we will be a part of this project and it's a wet dream roster of bands, including new Chemlab, which I am dead excited about.
So while this is going on, the wedding happened on June 20th. I'm not bullshitting you when I tell you that this whole weekend of activities went down without one hiccup and without any drama. This was somewhat similar to the bachelor weekend in that this was mostly asshole-free, which made it even better.
Honestly, I can't think of a thing I would do differently. The journey to this even had a few moments of drama, but honestly, I expected far worse and I have seen some BAD weddings and wedding build ups in my time. This was a piece of cake. Oh speaking of cake, we didn't have any. Screw that, we had DONUTS. With STAR WARS figures on them. The real deal. The bride was a knockout and she was in good form. We ate well and we got what we had hoped for: a big party that everyone could celebrate and have a good time at.
As one of our visitors, Skott from SF, said "You've managed to take a surgical knife and excise everything I hate about weddings right out of this wedding" (or something like that). That was the general consensus. Even my Dad, who can find fault in anything (similar to my wife), still is raving about the weekend. Maybe it was because he was up till 3am every night in the hotel bar holding court with our friends. Who knows.
Speaking of the hotel, the Ace Hotel, which is brand spanking new on 29th and Broadway kicked a lot of ass. My only true regret that whole weekend was not getting enough time to hang out there. Meanwhile, the Mrs gets two days in a huge fucking suite that I got to sleep in 4 hours total. Oh well. There's honestly too much to write about this wedding/event thing, so I'll leave it at that. It was an awesome day, a perfect weekend and the start of bigger and better things.
There were only two things I wanted at this wedding. Here's one of them:
The other was, and this is fact, the Dossier album, which, while not finished was giving to me by Saintface himself along with a disc of Saintface Demos and unreleased stuff. I'm not joking that I wanted this very badly. All that was coming were freaking Crate and Barrel boxes, which means I will eat well in my adult life, and have been, but it was nice to get something unusual ;-) B and I also saw them play a few times during this hiatus and checked out SVI last weekend as well.
Lastly, we saw TRANSFORMERS 2, written of course by the co best man. I liked this movie more than the first one, which I loathe, but at least I could tell you what this movie is about. Also, the fight in the forest is very fucking impressive. I hope Dr. Fury comes back for a third one, so my nephew can grill him some more.
Anyway, hopefully this blog is back in business, as we say in backyard wrestling. I have nephew here now for the week and then it's off to LA. Let's try and stay in touch, ok?
F
28.6.09
Almost back in business...
I know I know. Should resume regular service soon. Follow me on Twitter in the meantime. However, until then, here's a photo of the recent Jerry sighting, in the west village with Ash, Matt and G...
He's the tiny dude in Yellow in the center. He was on Letterman, strangely, a few nights before. Check that out here: http://holyghostnyc.blogspot.com/2009/06/jerry-v-mstrkrft-john-legend.html
My life will again be yours shortly, my darlings.
F
He's the tiny dude in Yellow in the center. He was on Letterman, strangely, a few nights before. Check that out here: http://holyghostnyc.blogspot.com/2009/06/jerry-v-mstrkrft-john-legend.html
My life will again be yours shortly, my darlings.
F
16.5.09
This just happened...
Hello friends from New York.
As I type, I am enjoying a bagel, sipping Japanese beer and listening to vocal takes from yesterday. I'm a few days away from my first trip to LA since December. I'm sort of excited about it. Traveling is such a part of my life that to not go there now seems odd. Anyway, fingers crossed it will be a good trip and the start of the next phase of my professional life. More on that eventually...
Been enjoying the freedom of not being trapped in the workforce 9-6. I'm actually more productive this way. Sure there is the fear of the future, but also it's a motivator. The timing, with the wedding just weeks away, kinda sucks, but as everyone who has gotten married or has a kid tells me, there's never a perfect time. Anyhow, work wise, the freedom is a great way to get the plates spinning and the creative juices flowing on various levels, work, music, writing etc. Feeling really good about the music right now. Always self conscious about the vocals, but I think I'm reaching a new level. I'll still never be great, but until Peter decides to come onboard full time, who the fuck else is going to do it? Anyway, Brandt is a fucking champ, knocking this bad boy into shape.
The Wedding is coming up. There's a lot of enthusiasm for it. Sometimes a bit overwhelming, especially for the bride. I just try to keep calm and let it all roll. I only usually express my thoughts when I don't like something, which honestly is rare. I think it's easily going to be the coolest wedding most of you/us have ever been to, but I can promise without a doubt you will never eat better.
The Bachelor MENS weekend is a week from this coming Thursday. Austin Texas. The MOG collective of old and older in one place. What Dulli-style chaos will be brought...? I don't know as I am out of the loop, but I do know I have to bring a suit. Wait what?
Saw TREK again. Loved it more the second time. While I am not sure is "This Generation's STAR WARS", I think it's become a fresh, cool worthy franchise deserving of my obsessive love. Nephew loved it and seems to dig the McCoy. Just like his aunt. Hmm. Clones.
Last night, we checked out the NY debut of HALLOWEEN ALASKA, a band, thanks to Charles Bob, we have been following for a few years. They had an amazing first album and the subsequent albums have been good, but not great. The live show, for me was the moment of truth. It was at Joe's Pub, which oddly, I have never been to. We did stop at the DESSERT TRUCK on St Marks first, which was fucking amazing. Anyhow, the gig, which had seats, was really good. The band is really good, but something was off and I chalk that up to a poorly conceived/paced set list. They played stuff I liked, but the gig had momentum issues. They certainly have what it takes. I'm not writing these guys off anytime soon, at least as a live band!
Finally, on a sad note, our lanky hero Ash lost his pop this week, so the Pac will be rallying around him over the coming days. Send a good thought towards him, his Mrs, and his family won't you?
F
As I type, I am enjoying a bagel, sipping Japanese beer and listening to vocal takes from yesterday. I'm a few days away from my first trip to LA since December. I'm sort of excited about it. Traveling is such a part of my life that to not go there now seems odd. Anyway, fingers crossed it will be a good trip and the start of the next phase of my professional life. More on that eventually...
Been enjoying the freedom of not being trapped in the workforce 9-6. I'm actually more productive this way. Sure there is the fear of the future, but also it's a motivator. The timing, with the wedding just weeks away, kinda sucks, but as everyone who has gotten married or has a kid tells me, there's never a perfect time. Anyhow, work wise, the freedom is a great way to get the plates spinning and the creative juices flowing on various levels, work, music, writing etc. Feeling really good about the music right now. Always self conscious about the vocals, but I think I'm reaching a new level. I'll still never be great, but until Peter decides to come onboard full time, who the fuck else is going to do it? Anyway, Brandt is a fucking champ, knocking this bad boy into shape.
The Wedding is coming up. There's a lot of enthusiasm for it. Sometimes a bit overwhelming, especially for the bride. I just try to keep calm and let it all roll. I only usually express my thoughts when I don't like something, which honestly is rare. I think it's easily going to be the coolest wedding most of you/us have ever been to, but I can promise without a doubt you will never eat better.
The Bachelor MENS weekend is a week from this coming Thursday. Austin Texas. The MOG collective of old and older in one place. What Dulli-style chaos will be brought...? I don't know as I am out of the loop, but I do know I have to bring a suit. Wait what?
Saw TREK again. Loved it more the second time. While I am not sure is "This Generation's STAR WARS", I think it's become a fresh, cool worthy franchise deserving of my obsessive love. Nephew loved it and seems to dig the McCoy. Just like his aunt. Hmm. Clones.
Last night, we checked out the NY debut of HALLOWEEN ALASKA, a band, thanks to Charles Bob, we have been following for a few years. They had an amazing first album and the subsequent albums have been good, but not great. The live show, for me was the moment of truth. It was at Joe's Pub, which oddly, I have never been to. We did stop at the DESSERT TRUCK on St Marks first, which was fucking amazing. Anyhow, the gig, which had seats, was really good. The band is really good, but something was off and I chalk that up to a poorly conceived/paced set list. They played stuff I liked, but the gig had momentum issues. They certainly have what it takes. I'm not writing these guys off anytime soon, at least as a live band!
Finally, on a sad note, our lanky hero Ash lost his pop this week, so the Pac will be rallying around him over the coming days. Send a good thought towards him, his Mrs, and his family won't you?
F
3.5.09
May Showers...
Hello All:
Life moves at a hectic and constantly changing pace. All seems positive at the moment. My professional situation is going through a transition, which I am perfectly fine with and someday you will read the biography and you will be slightly stunned or amused by this chapter. Meanwhile, this blog is meant as entertainment, so we'll leave it that.
As I write, my future mother in law cooks yet another feast. This weekend was the long anticipated wedding shower thing. Supposedly it was cool. I'll leave it to you ladies to let me know. It probably went something like this:
"You don't even know what you're in for marrying my son"
You all certainly ate better than I did over at the ESPN Zone, which was my Dad's idea and confusing to me at first until I learned there was an arcade and since we had 3 kids (nephew and the two awesome cousins) with us. Then it made sense. Naturally, the kids had a blast, and I did too. This is my posse:
I also got some time in with nephew and his beloved dog, who is not speaking to me at the moment because her stay in NYC was too brief. She was not happy. Anyhow...
I'm working kinda backwards here so let me tell you about some movies. Thanks to the awesomeness of Jordan Hoffman from my UGO family, I got to see my most anticipated movie of 2009...STAR TREK. I had pretty high expectations for this movie and have always been impressed with this being s "sequel/prequel" as opposed to just a simple reboot. All I can say is, my expectations were squashed and JJ and co. have delivered a great science fiction adventure movie with a solid cast and true respect for the Trek fans. I hope it does well. It's a beautiful, well paced movie, and while not wholly original plot wise, you couldn't ask for a better film that can appease the old schoolers like me and be totally accessible for anyone who is not a Trekkie. Very curious how it will do at the box office, but man this was good stuff.
Before that, we saw the fucking INSANITY known as CRANK 2. Man. I love Statham, as you know and I thought the first movie was hilariously good, and the second one is so over the top and devoid of any respect for logic, race, creed, gender, etc that I truly had to respect it's audacity. It's a masterpiece for the ADD Generation. The actors, as Rick Meyers said, are good sports, because a LOT is asked from them. I think a third movie would be stretching it, because I simply don't know how far they can go after this crazy shit. But it was fun to turn my brain off and cry laughing a few times. It's gonna be one of those movies that when it pops up on HBO (if it does), I will drop everything to watch.
Thanks to Eric Eskenazi, I now have a DVD of the long lost aggression documentary "I'll SEE YOU IN REHAB" which covers the band from really what I consider the height of it's powers 2000 (from the second Robin joins) to about 2002 or 2003 (when we're about to go to Russia). You have to know the band and it's members to truly appreciate it, and there's TONS of footage. However, there are some interesting tidbits that sort of predict the end of the band, which I found very interesting. I can literally watch this thing and tell you the exact moment where the bands days were numbered. I can also tell you why I still work on music with certain ex aggression members. I can also tell you that we looked like shit during that entire period despite playing like champs and writing some good tunes that we never recorded. I'm ashamed most of all by my hair during this period. But the music was good. Someday, I'd like to do a doc covering the whole history, cause we have all the awesome footage during the entire run, but honestly, as a great man once said..."who fucking cares, right?"
Ok. Chat soon. More on music next.
F
Life moves at a hectic and constantly changing pace. All seems positive at the moment. My professional situation is going through a transition, which I am perfectly fine with and someday you will read the biography and you will be slightly stunned or amused by this chapter. Meanwhile, this blog is meant as entertainment, so we'll leave it that.
As I write, my future mother in law cooks yet another feast. This weekend was the long anticipated wedding shower thing. Supposedly it was cool. I'll leave it to you ladies to let me know. It probably went something like this:
"You don't even know what you're in for marrying my son"
You all certainly ate better than I did over at the ESPN Zone, which was my Dad's idea and confusing to me at first until I learned there was an arcade and since we had 3 kids (nephew and the two awesome cousins) with us. Then it made sense. Naturally, the kids had a blast, and I did too. This is my posse:
I also got some time in with nephew and his beloved dog, who is not speaking to me at the moment because her stay in NYC was too brief. She was not happy. Anyhow...
I'm working kinda backwards here so let me tell you about some movies. Thanks to the awesomeness of Jordan Hoffman from my UGO family, I got to see my most anticipated movie of 2009...STAR TREK. I had pretty high expectations for this movie and have always been impressed with this being s "sequel/prequel" as opposed to just a simple reboot. All I can say is, my expectations were squashed and JJ and co. have delivered a great science fiction adventure movie with a solid cast and true respect for the Trek fans. I hope it does well. It's a beautiful, well paced movie, and while not wholly original plot wise, you couldn't ask for a better film that can appease the old schoolers like me and be totally accessible for anyone who is not a Trekkie. Very curious how it will do at the box office, but man this was good stuff.
Before that, we saw the fucking INSANITY known as CRANK 2. Man. I love Statham, as you know and I thought the first movie was hilariously good, and the second one is so over the top and devoid of any respect for logic, race, creed, gender, etc that I truly had to respect it's audacity. It's a masterpiece for the ADD Generation. The actors, as Rick Meyers said, are good sports, because a LOT is asked from them. I think a third movie would be stretching it, because I simply don't know how far they can go after this crazy shit. But it was fun to turn my brain off and cry laughing a few times. It's gonna be one of those movies that when it pops up on HBO (if it does), I will drop everything to watch.
Thanks to Eric Eskenazi, I now have a DVD of the long lost aggression documentary "I'll SEE YOU IN REHAB" which covers the band from really what I consider the height of it's powers 2000 (from the second Robin joins) to about 2002 or 2003 (when we're about to go to Russia). You have to know the band and it's members to truly appreciate it, and there's TONS of footage. However, there are some interesting tidbits that sort of predict the end of the band, which I found very interesting. I can literally watch this thing and tell you the exact moment where the bands days were numbered. I can also tell you why I still work on music with certain ex aggression members. I can also tell you that we looked like shit during that entire period despite playing like champs and writing some good tunes that we never recorded. I'm ashamed most of all by my hair during this period. But the music was good. Someday, I'd like to do a doc covering the whole history, cause we have all the awesome footage during the entire run, but honestly, as a great man once said..."who fucking cares, right?"
Ok. Chat soon. More on music next.
F
21.4.09
PRESS.
It's fun to get to do interviews re: the music. This might be the first official Hypefactor interview that I can think of...
http://www.regenmag.com/Interviews-281-Hypefactor.html
It covers the Big A as well, for you old timers.
Enjoy
F
http://www.regenmag.com/Interviews-281-Hypefactor.html
It covers the Big A as well, for you old timers.
Enjoy
F
15.4.09
Promo.
So, this is cool week. I have my first manga, STAR TREK THE NEXT GENERATION, and my first feature DVD, THE SPIRIT, out. Last week, the second issue of THE SPIRIT run I co wrote came out as well. I've been fortunate enough to do some press, which you can read about here:
http://www.mania.com/desanto-star-trek-manga-spirit-comics_article_114395.html
http://splashpage.mtv.com/2009/04/14/star-trek-the-next-generation-goes-manga-but-will-picard-lose-the-captains-chair/
http://movieblog.ugo.com/movies/f-j-desanto-star-trek-tng-manga-interview
Thanks for reading and hopefully buying all this stuff! if you do, let me know what you think!
F
http://www.mania.com/desanto-star-trek-manga-spirit-comics_article_114395.html
http://splashpage.mtv.com/2009/04/14/star-trek-the-next-generation-goes-manga-but-will-picard-lose-the-captains-chair/
http://movieblog.ugo.com/movies/f-j-desanto-star-trek-tng-manga-interview
Thanks for reading and hopefully buying all this stuff! if you do, let me know what you think!
F
12.4.09
Stoic.
It's amazing how infrequently I update this. I'm actually sorry about that. More sorry there are things I'll have missed to look back on....
Today is Bunny day. I love bunnies. This week I was on partial Uncle Duty. Nephew is TEN now. Funny, complicated, handsome, bright and way too obsessed with technology. I felt the South Park Fishsticks episode was too important for him to miss, if only to kill any remote interest he might have in Kanye. Hopefully, that worked and he has left New York with an appreciation of the new Kasabian songs, which are getting huge airplay here at MOGworld. I'm sure in the rare moments I am that I will be rambling about this record all year. You've been warned. Anyhow, nephew and I got some Xbox time in and we grabbed our sizzling rice per usual. We also watched Dannie Yen act "stoic" in the film bio IP MAN, based on the life of the martial artist who trained Bruce Lee. How much of this was based in reality I have no fucking clue, but it was fun to watch. I also educated nephew and his mother on the wonders of Dokebi, which the Koreans of the family claim is the best NY Korean food they have had.
Been at the studio every now now and then. Mostly cutting vocals. Getting there. Just 3, maybe 4 songs left, but I did enjoy singing the album opener last week. It sounded good and fresh. I'm gonna try and get back there this week. I feel like as the wedding approaches, my time is more and more limited. But we'll get there. And it will Own. As my nephew would say.
We celebrated the 30th anniversary of all things Jessie. She is wonderful. Bozu was involved though Jessie wasn't. Little cupcakes were.
Random stuff:
1. I am possibly interested in these young mancs: http://delphic.cc/counterpoint/ Keep and eye on them. I could be wrong.
2. My second issue of THE SPIRIT came out via DC Comics last week. Hopefully you'll get it and dig it.
3. Speaking of THE SPIRIT, the little seen and harshly raped movie will be out on DVD this Tuesday. They did a nice job with it, though I haven't seen the Blue Ray yet. I hear that's even better.
4. I wrote a story for Tokyopop's first STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION manga, which is out in stores now. Get it here: http://www.amazon.com/Star-Trek-Next-Generation-v/dp/1427812721/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1239583354&sr=8-1
Anyway, If I forget anything, remind me, especially if you were there. Let me know.
F
Today is Bunny day. I love bunnies. This week I was on partial Uncle Duty. Nephew is TEN now. Funny, complicated, handsome, bright and way too obsessed with technology. I felt the South Park Fishsticks episode was too important for him to miss, if only to kill any remote interest he might have in Kanye. Hopefully, that worked and he has left New York with an appreciation of the new Kasabian songs, which are getting huge airplay here at MOGworld. I'm sure in the rare moments I am that I will be rambling about this record all year. You've been warned. Anyhow, nephew and I got some Xbox time in and we grabbed our sizzling rice per usual. We also watched Dannie Yen act "stoic" in the film bio IP MAN, based on the life of the martial artist who trained Bruce Lee. How much of this was based in reality I have no fucking clue, but it was fun to watch. I also educated nephew and his mother on the wonders of Dokebi, which the Koreans of the family claim is the best NY Korean food they have had.
Been at the studio every now now and then. Mostly cutting vocals. Getting there. Just 3, maybe 4 songs left, but I did enjoy singing the album opener last week. It sounded good and fresh. I'm gonna try and get back there this week. I feel like as the wedding approaches, my time is more and more limited. But we'll get there. And it will Own. As my nephew would say.
We celebrated the 30th anniversary of all things Jessie. She is wonderful. Bozu was involved though Jessie wasn't. Little cupcakes were.
Random stuff:
1. I am possibly interested in these young mancs: http://delphic.cc/counterpoint/ Keep and eye on them. I could be wrong.
2. My second issue of THE SPIRIT came out via DC Comics last week. Hopefully you'll get it and dig it.
3. Speaking of THE SPIRIT, the little seen and harshly raped movie will be out on DVD this Tuesday. They did a nice job with it, though I haven't seen the Blue Ray yet. I hear that's even better.
4. I wrote a story for Tokyopop's first STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION manga, which is out in stores now. Get it here: http://www.amazon.com/Star-Trek-Next-Generation-v/dp/1427812721/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1239583354&sr=8-1
Anyway, If I forget anything, remind me, especially if you were there. Let me know.
F
31.3.09
Get Loose Get Loose
Let's see, where did we leave off? Well we HAVE been working on the music. Sounding VERY good, yes I am singing. But anyhow...
It's been business as usual. Music. Work. Writing, etc. Right now I am blasting the new Kasabian track VLAD THE IMPAILER. There's nothing better than when your fave band comes back with something as promising as this. Having now heard bootlegs of the new tracks being played live, my fingers are crossed and my anticipation is now unmuted. Album 3 is gonna fulfill the promise of the last 5 years of loving this band. I think. LEAK.
Some other albums I'm listening to:
Depeche Mode's SOUNDS OF THE UNIVERSE. Not bad. Too many songs. Not enough energy. Once again Dave has the better songs on his solo album, but the production on this one is pretty good. Could be a grower. Maybe.
Pet Shop Boys YES: Johnny Marr is supposedly on this album. I can't hear it. It's too glossy, too smooth. Decent ideas. liking it. Nothing earth shattering.
The Hours SEE THE LIGHT: Nice step forward for these guys. A little redundant, but having the amazing Flood in the producers chair really helps these guys reach a new level. They need to take some risks and branch out, the songwriting gets a little redundant. However, they got the Kasabian opening slot and I'd kill to see that double bill. The title track is one of my favourite singles in the past year plus.
The Gigs...
We saw Moz at Bowery. Yes. Bowery. Seeing him in such a small venue and enjoying it so much really made up for the kinda so so set list. Amazing energy, despite the asshole who set me off, and a super gig. I know if I saw this same show at any other NY venue he performed at, I'd be less likely to have enjoyed it. Got lucky with this one.
Ladyhawke made her NY debut and we took the visiting Mr. Cramp to go check her out. It was ok. It felt very much the "hastily put together band of session guys backing up the new hot artist" thing. It lacked something. Also, the sound was mixed all wrong. Ladhyhawke herself has a lot of talent and charisma, but she need to get the band seasoned up a bit. Love the album though. Check that out.
Then finally, at long last the Scream came back to show us all how it's done. And two nights worth no less. We had a blast both nights. Because they are assholes and have to get all the bridge and tunnel douches into the club, the first night at Webster started so early that Irene and I missed the first 5 or so songs, but the company of G and B really helped made it feel like an event. We got into it. The lads played a near perfect set list that covered the entire catalogue. Perfect. The band has new life to it thanks to a great new album as well as the awesome new guitar player Little Barrie, who quite simply owns the fucking stage. Big difference maker. Of course, there was Mani, with the best bass rig ever, keeping it tight as fuck. Perfect Rock N Roll. I've never seen Bobby so electric. Then we grabbed a few drinks with Saintface himself, which is always lovely.
Having missed so much of the first set, I went with Brandt to see The Scream the next night at the Music all of The Burg, whatever. Cool venue, direct rip off of Bowery, same owners. We got really close and got to enjoy. As the T-shirts read, "God Save The Scream"...amazing. The only negative was that they didn't play the excellent UPTOWN, much to Danny's chagrin.
Happy to report that wrestling journalist superstar Fernwood Gold III has returned just in time for Wrestlemania. Thank fuck. READ: http://www.ugo.com/sports/wrestlemania25-predictions/
Lastly, Happy birthday Eric Richard Sica. Now 11. ELEVEN!?!?
Soon.
F
It's been business as usual. Music. Work. Writing, etc. Right now I am blasting the new Kasabian track VLAD THE IMPAILER. There's nothing better than when your fave band comes back with something as promising as this. Having now heard bootlegs of the new tracks being played live, my fingers are crossed and my anticipation is now unmuted. Album 3 is gonna fulfill the promise of the last 5 years of loving this band. I think. LEAK.
Some other albums I'm listening to:
Depeche Mode's SOUNDS OF THE UNIVERSE. Not bad. Too many songs. Not enough energy. Once again Dave has the better songs on his solo album, but the production on this one is pretty good. Could be a grower. Maybe.
Pet Shop Boys YES: Johnny Marr is supposedly on this album. I can't hear it. It's too glossy, too smooth. Decent ideas. liking it. Nothing earth shattering.
The Hours SEE THE LIGHT: Nice step forward for these guys. A little redundant, but having the amazing Flood in the producers chair really helps these guys reach a new level. They need to take some risks and branch out, the songwriting gets a little redundant. However, they got the Kasabian opening slot and I'd kill to see that double bill. The title track is one of my favourite singles in the past year plus.
The Gigs...
We saw Moz at Bowery. Yes. Bowery. Seeing him in such a small venue and enjoying it so much really made up for the kinda so so set list. Amazing energy, despite the asshole who set me off, and a super gig. I know if I saw this same show at any other NY venue he performed at, I'd be less likely to have enjoyed it. Got lucky with this one.
Ladyhawke made her NY debut and we took the visiting Mr. Cramp to go check her out. It was ok. It felt very much the "hastily put together band of session guys backing up the new hot artist" thing. It lacked something. Also, the sound was mixed all wrong. Ladhyhawke herself has a lot of talent and charisma, but she need to get the band seasoned up a bit. Love the album though. Check that out.
Then finally, at long last the Scream came back to show us all how it's done. And two nights worth no less. We had a blast both nights. Because they are assholes and have to get all the bridge and tunnel douches into the club, the first night at Webster started so early that Irene and I missed the first 5 or so songs, but the company of G and B really helped made it feel like an event. We got into it. The lads played a near perfect set list that covered the entire catalogue. Perfect. The band has new life to it thanks to a great new album as well as the awesome new guitar player Little Barrie, who quite simply owns the fucking stage. Big difference maker. Of course, there was Mani, with the best bass rig ever, keeping it tight as fuck. Perfect Rock N Roll. I've never seen Bobby so electric. Then we grabbed a few drinks with Saintface himself, which is always lovely.
Having missed so much of the first set, I went with Brandt to see The Scream the next night at the Music all of The Burg, whatever. Cool venue, direct rip off of Bowery, same owners. We got really close and got to enjoy. As the T-shirts read, "God Save The Scream"...amazing. The only negative was that they didn't play the excellent UPTOWN, much to Danny's chagrin.
Happy to report that wrestling journalist superstar Fernwood Gold III has returned just in time for Wrestlemania. Thank fuck. READ: http://www.ugo.com/sports/wrestlemania25-predictions/
Lastly, Happy birthday Eric Richard Sica. Now 11. ELEVEN!?!?
Soon.
F
20.3.09
Randumbs.
What's up you clowns.
Make it simple for you, been doing my thing. Can't complain. Busy is good. Right? Now just sit the hell down and let me just spew out some random shit in no particular order so I'm at least caught up, ok?
The long awaited return of MASERATI happened last week and my god it was worth the wait. We had a nice big posse for this one, and it was at a venue with seats, which actually kinda was cool for this. Steve Moore of Zombi opened with an all 80's soundtrack sounding synth set, which we enjoyed quite a bit. I even got his album after cause I was that into it. Anyhow, GERRY, who is Ash's long lost BFF, brought the fucking awesome and the new songs are really good. You should have seen us all embarassingly giddy during this. It was that good. They need that new album out asap.
DUPLICITY is a pretty good movie featuring big movie stars in a clever story doing interesting things and looking good. It's smart, well crafted, beautifully shot and well paced. Tony Gilroy is really strong. It's the kind of movie my mom can see. I enjoyed it. It's the first time Clive felt like a big movie star to me. It also has the best payoff ever and Dan Hamill needs to see it immediately. It also made me want to eat Pizza, which Irene and I actually went and did right after...see it and you'll understand.
I did a lot of cool shit recently as a low level comic book writer/movie producer where I get to yap about things I love. Here are three cool things:
I appeared on a podcast discussing WATCHMEN here: http://www.batman-on-film.com/podcasts_menu.html
Then I did a show called COMIC CLUB LIVE which was awesome and on a stage and saw Lurch go mental about Watchmen yet again, go figure. I don't think the audio is up yet, but keep checking here: http://www.popcultureshock.com/cbclub/
And finally, my pal Kyle Newman, who directed the wonderful FANBOYS, and I did a Forcecast for the awesome guys at Theforce.net: http://www.theforce.net/topstory/story/ForceCastClone_Wars_Roundtable_S1_Episode_21_121887.asp
EASTBOUND AND DOWN is the best show on fucking TV. Danny McBride is a genius and Will Ferrel impersonating Ric Flair is blow away. BEST SHOW ON TV. The finale tonight was great and I'm hoping they do another season of this shit cause it's so wonderfully uncomfortable and scary and hilarious all at the same time. GET ON IT.
Man, I'm really upset about the Natasha Richardson thing. First off, it's just plain fucking horrible, but to see Liam Neeson all around the city being so stoic just breaks my heart. I watched some video of him greeting people on Broadway and I literally burst out into tears. I love the man, he was very nice to me when I met him briefly a few years back, and maybe cause he's Qui Gon, I care just a little bit more. I know.
I totally slacked on the music this week, mostly because BRADLEY CRAMP popped up on the right coast and we grabbed an epic dinner uptown. Plus he picked up the tab, the geezer. Brad remains a wonderful friend, probably the only person I know who has had a similar career to my own and thus understands it in a way few could. And my god, he has some cute kids. Hoping to sneak in some more time with him before he heads back West.
Morrissey played Bowery last night. It was awesome. I'm gonna wait for Irene to gimme the pix before I blog about it. Also, I got drunk and was a total wanker. Sorry about that.
Back soon.
F
Make it simple for you, been doing my thing. Can't complain. Busy is good. Right? Now just sit the hell down and let me just spew out some random shit in no particular order so I'm at least caught up, ok?
The long awaited return of MASERATI happened last week and my god it was worth the wait. We had a nice big posse for this one, and it was at a venue with seats, which actually kinda was cool for this. Steve Moore of Zombi opened with an all 80's soundtrack sounding synth set, which we enjoyed quite a bit. I even got his album after cause I was that into it. Anyhow, GERRY, who is Ash's long lost BFF, brought the fucking awesome and the new songs are really good. You should have seen us all embarassingly giddy during this. It was that good. They need that new album out asap.
DUPLICITY is a pretty good movie featuring big movie stars in a clever story doing interesting things and looking good. It's smart, well crafted, beautifully shot and well paced. Tony Gilroy is really strong. It's the kind of movie my mom can see. I enjoyed it. It's the first time Clive felt like a big movie star to me. It also has the best payoff ever and Dan Hamill needs to see it immediately. It also made me want to eat Pizza, which Irene and I actually went and did right after...see it and you'll understand.
I did a lot of cool shit recently as a low level comic book writer/movie producer where I get to yap about things I love. Here are three cool things:
I appeared on a podcast discussing WATCHMEN here: http://www.batman-on-film.com/podcasts_menu.html
Then I did a show called COMIC CLUB LIVE which was awesome and on a stage and saw Lurch go mental about Watchmen yet again, go figure. I don't think the audio is up yet, but keep checking here: http://www.popcultureshock.com/cbclub/
And finally, my pal Kyle Newman, who directed the wonderful FANBOYS, and I did a Forcecast for the awesome guys at Theforce.net: http://www.theforce.net/topstory/story/ForceCastClone_Wars_Roundtable_S1_Episode_21_121887.asp
EASTBOUND AND DOWN is the best show on fucking TV. Danny McBride is a genius and Will Ferrel impersonating Ric Flair is blow away. BEST SHOW ON TV. The finale tonight was great and I'm hoping they do another season of this shit cause it's so wonderfully uncomfortable and scary and hilarious all at the same time. GET ON IT.
Man, I'm really upset about the Natasha Richardson thing. First off, it's just plain fucking horrible, but to see Liam Neeson all around the city being so stoic just breaks my heart. I watched some video of him greeting people on Broadway and I literally burst out into tears. I love the man, he was very nice to me when I met him briefly a few years back, and maybe cause he's Qui Gon, I care just a little bit more. I know.
I totally slacked on the music this week, mostly because BRADLEY CRAMP popped up on the right coast and we grabbed an epic dinner uptown. Plus he picked up the tab, the geezer. Brad remains a wonderful friend, probably the only person I know who has had a similar career to my own and thus understands it in a way few could. And my god, he has some cute kids. Hoping to sneak in some more time with him before he heads back West.
Morrissey played Bowery last night. It was awesome. I'm gonna wait for Irene to gimme the pix before I blog about it. Also, I got drunk and was a total wanker. Sorry about that.
Back soon.
F
19.3.09
14.3.09
10.3.09
A Gig and Two Flicks
There's a few things I've failed to mention, so let me get you caught up.
Last week, I traveled through the snow to BK to check out my friend Wade Alin play with his band The Atomica Project. I hadn't seen him since he did sound for the last Chemlab tour. Wade like some of us, used to front an industrial band (Christ Analogue, whom the big A played with at the Kidd's debut gig in DC), and now has a project that reflects his current non industrial ways. I've always liked it on record, as we still say, so I was curious to see it live. Man, I'm glad I did cause it's REALLY good live. It's a simple set up with some very talented people, Wade on bass running stuff off his laptop, a keyboardist/DJ a drummer and a wonderful vocalist named Lauren who just has tons of charisma. It's a trip hop kind of sound, but without the bullshit pretention, and I think that's what hit me the most live. There's an honesty to it, that I really liked, and probably why I've always liked Wade's music. He does it for the right reasons. He and I grabbed a pint after and caught up, and I'm happy to report he has a lovely family, a good band, and is going to be mixing some new Jared stuff, which I am excited about. He also has a sweet beard. This was a really good night and I encourage you to check them out! http://www.theatomicaproject.com
Later in the week, the Mrs and I went to a screening of a movie called SUNSHINE CLEANING, which stars the lovely duo of Amy Adams and Emily Blunt. It's a very clever and enjoyable indie flick about two sisters who run a cleaning services that handles crime scenes or deceased homes. Irene loves Amy Adams but I walked out of this movie with a crush on Emily Blunt, who is just great in it. Sure it might be considered a "chick flick" but I think it's more than that. Great supporting cast, especially Alan Arkin. Also, it was shot all in the parts of New Mexico where we did THE SPIRIT, so a lot of fun seeing some familiar locales.
Finally, WATCHMEN. What can I say without opening a can of worms? The reactions amongst our crew were shocking to me. My verdict, it's ok, its good. I don't think it's a great movie in terms of structure, tone and pacing, but I thought the respect into HOW it was adapted was obvious but in the end the director was too committed to the source material and it hurt the movie. But my god, did you see that hilarious sex scene? I lol'd so hard cause it was basically Cinemax (and it missed the point) As we have said for years, a 12 hour cable series was the best option for this, but it's not to be. I hope it does well though, its a noble effort. It's not Superman 4 as Lurch would say...FIGHT TIME!
More in a bit.
F
Last week, I traveled through the snow to BK to check out my friend Wade Alin play with his band The Atomica Project. I hadn't seen him since he did sound for the last Chemlab tour. Wade like some of us, used to front an industrial band (Christ Analogue, whom the big A played with at the Kidd's debut gig in DC), and now has a project that reflects his current non industrial ways. I've always liked it on record, as we still say, so I was curious to see it live. Man, I'm glad I did cause it's REALLY good live. It's a simple set up with some very talented people, Wade on bass running stuff off his laptop, a keyboardist/DJ a drummer and a wonderful vocalist named Lauren who just has tons of charisma. It's a trip hop kind of sound, but without the bullshit pretention, and I think that's what hit me the most live. There's an honesty to it, that I really liked, and probably why I've always liked Wade's music. He does it for the right reasons. He and I grabbed a pint after and caught up, and I'm happy to report he has a lovely family, a good band, and is going to be mixing some new Jared stuff, which I am excited about. He also has a sweet beard. This was a really good night and I encourage you to check them out! http://www.theatomicaproject.com
Later in the week, the Mrs and I went to a screening of a movie called SUNSHINE CLEANING, which stars the lovely duo of Amy Adams and Emily Blunt. It's a very clever and enjoyable indie flick about two sisters who run a cleaning services that handles crime scenes or deceased homes. Irene loves Amy Adams but I walked out of this movie with a crush on Emily Blunt, who is just great in it. Sure it might be considered a "chick flick" but I think it's more than that. Great supporting cast, especially Alan Arkin. Also, it was shot all in the parts of New Mexico where we did THE SPIRIT, so a lot of fun seeing some familiar locales.
Finally, WATCHMEN. What can I say without opening a can of worms? The reactions amongst our crew were shocking to me. My verdict, it's ok, its good. I don't think it's a great movie in terms of structure, tone and pacing, but I thought the respect into HOW it was adapted was obvious but in the end the director was too committed to the source material and it hurt the movie. But my god, did you see that hilarious sex scene? I lol'd so hard cause it was basically Cinemax (and it missed the point) As we have said for years, a 12 hour cable series was the best option for this, but it's not to be. I hope it does well though, its a noble effort. It's not Superman 4 as Lurch would say...FIGHT TIME!
More in a bit.
F
3.3.09
In 3D
Where you been?
Ive been around, honestly just trying to enjoy my life, which is the usual fare of 09. Meaning, it's awesome with some stress and drama, new to me obviously, but I'm slowly getting a grip on what has been the weirdest year of my life thus far and it's only fucking March!
I had a lovely weekend, just FYI. Barbara, she of Italian heritage and excellent taste hosted some folks for an Italian Carnavale. Despite the lack of Roger, it was still good to see some folk we had not seen in awhile. I also got there early, had no idea who to speak to, so I approached some brit girls (cause they were handling the food and drinks, you see I am clever) and I created a new gimmick, which is organically weaving the fact that I am engaged early into conversations with young women in order to create a more comfortable situation ("Oh, I'll have a drink before MY FIANCE gets here"). This fucking WORKS. It's like being gay. Sorta. Obviously, by the time the fiance does show up, you're bragging about seeing Oasis at Finsbury in the pouring rain in 2002. But it was a good time with again awesome food, and Jessie filled every pocket she had with stolen MnM's which was then of course used to throw at cars and people while waiting to eat dinner at some really good Mexican place. It was a solid Friday night, kids. There are some pix ill try to grab.
Saturday was like the first day off the future Mrs and I both had so we made a day out of it. First we shopped for girly clothes with Jessie which was long and tedious though one store played the entire Best Of The Stone Roses which definitely helped. Then we TRIED to go to The Stack for some beer and pretzels but motherfuckers werent open yet, so we went to inoteca for wine (them), beer (me) and some snacks.
After, we did the obligatory wedding planning dinner thing with my folks at this French place I am not feeling anymore (not Les Halles obviously), and then we checked out CORALINE in 3D, which I enjoyed a great deal. The attention to detail was sick and the storytelling was excellent and it was kinda scary. The 3D was super and I can see that this is the wave of the future. I can only imagine seeing something like STAR WARS like this would be amazing. I had few complaints about the movie, mostly that the parents were total dicks before and after. But, it was cool and the 3d trailer for Aliens and Monsters was pretty sweet too. Love 3D.
Sunday, was a chill day, which we needed. Gym, general hanging out and then a fun afternoon with Lurch, Priya, and G, first at Marshall Satck (FINALLY got my pretzels and tots and pints) and then at that place they like which I don't remember the name of, but I like a lot. It's on allen street and rivington across from stack so if you want to go, ask Danny. They had some good shit with bacon. It was here I realized I had been drinking a lot lately, which I am sorta excited about.
I am excited about a great many things, starting with Watchmen this Friday. Then there are some seriously good albums coming out, like Doves, Depeche, Kasabian (if they ever announce it), etc. Plus, I am feeling Star Trek is going to be great.
Sorry this is brief and yes if you noticed, there is a lack of music making in my life at the moment. I am going to try and rectify that very fucking shortly.
In a bit
F
Ive been around, honestly just trying to enjoy my life, which is the usual fare of 09. Meaning, it's awesome with some stress and drama, new to me obviously, but I'm slowly getting a grip on what has been the weirdest year of my life thus far and it's only fucking March!
I had a lovely weekend, just FYI. Barbara, she of Italian heritage and excellent taste hosted some folks for an Italian Carnavale. Despite the lack of Roger, it was still good to see some folk we had not seen in awhile. I also got there early, had no idea who to speak to, so I approached some brit girls (cause they were handling the food and drinks, you see I am clever) and I created a new gimmick, which is organically weaving the fact that I am engaged early into conversations with young women in order to create a more comfortable situation ("Oh, I'll have a drink before MY FIANCE gets here"). This fucking WORKS. It's like being gay. Sorta. Obviously, by the time the fiance does show up, you're bragging about seeing Oasis at Finsbury in the pouring rain in 2002. But it was a good time with again awesome food, and Jessie filled every pocket she had with stolen MnM's which was then of course used to throw at cars and people while waiting to eat dinner at some really good Mexican place. It was a solid Friday night, kids. There are some pix ill try to grab.
Saturday was like the first day off the future Mrs and I both had so we made a day out of it. First we shopped for girly clothes with Jessie which was long and tedious though one store played the entire Best Of The Stone Roses which definitely helped. Then we TRIED to go to The Stack for some beer and pretzels but motherfuckers werent open yet, so we went to inoteca for wine (them), beer (me) and some snacks.
After, we did the obligatory wedding planning dinner thing with my folks at this French place I am not feeling anymore (not Les Halles obviously), and then we checked out CORALINE in 3D, which I enjoyed a great deal. The attention to detail was sick and the storytelling was excellent and it was kinda scary. The 3D was super and I can see that this is the wave of the future. I can only imagine seeing something like STAR WARS like this would be amazing. I had few complaints about the movie, mostly that the parents were total dicks before and after. But, it was cool and the 3d trailer for Aliens and Monsters was pretty sweet too. Love 3D.
Sunday, was a chill day, which we needed. Gym, general hanging out and then a fun afternoon with Lurch, Priya, and G, first at Marshall Satck (FINALLY got my pretzels and tots and pints) and then at that place they like which I don't remember the name of, but I like a lot. It's on allen street and rivington across from stack so if you want to go, ask Danny. They had some good shit with bacon. It was here I realized I had been drinking a lot lately, which I am sorta excited about.
I am excited about a great many things, starting with Watchmen this Friday. Then there are some seriously good albums coming out, like Doves, Depeche, Kasabian (if they ever announce it), etc. Plus, I am feeling Star Trek is going to be great.
Sorry this is brief and yes if you noticed, there is a lack of music making in my life at the moment. I am going to try and rectify that very fucking shortly.
In a bit
F
2.3.09
OUI!
PARIS (AFP) — Vincent Cassel, one of the stars of the Oceans 12 and 13 movies, scooped the best actor prize at France's top Cesar film awards Friday for a role playing a notorious French gangster.
19.2.09
Lost Memories
And hello again. Is it me or is 2009 just weird as fuck? It just seems like we're somewhere else in the multiverse, like the movie 2009 Lost Memories where the guy just KNOWS something is amiss. Displacement might be the right word, but Irene is the English genius. I don't want to sound like a downer as of late, I'm still the luckiest guy you know, and still your hero. A great way for me now to remember what I need to update on this blog is by checking my Twitter updates. That usually sparks a memory or two.
I'm still trying to catch you up. I know. I think I had fun last weekend. I know Friday night, I was at Duff's drinking with Brandt and we didn't even work on a musical note. Then I hopped back into the city for some drinks with Jessie, some dude she likes, and Irene at Heathers. I know I was back at B's wrapping up our first ever home cooked Hypefactor remix, this one of The Sweetest Soul, and I must admit it sounds amazing. We've been toying with it for a few years, but we cracked down it for some reason as of late and it just clicked. Why we haven't been working on the album is a question I am afraid to ask, but I think March will be the month shit picks up (especially since we're seeing some awesome gigs). However, I sent Le Dossier a rough draft of the remix I'm sad I haven't heard back from him.
After the Rex Mix (as we call it) got into shape, B and I then grabbed some awesome at Caracas Arepa Bar and took our asses into the city for the release party/gig for the Screen Vinyl Image album. This was originally scheduled in BK, but somehow got moved to fucking Pianos, which I hate immensely. However, it's SVI, so we gotta represent. We were shocked to see SVI now has a drummer! This is a very cool development and it works well. My gut is that this will even get better as it progresses and will change a lot of the dynamic within the band. They played the loudest fucking set ever, and I regret the no earplugs, which I didn't even think of at the time but won't forget about next time. Loud as Fuck. Great tunes though. Hey even Sweets was there. Life IS Sweets.
Club Superstar Matt Gentile Last Of The Famous International Playboys was at a gig nearby on a similar schedule, so we met up with him as he was rolling smokes for LA transplants with trannie friends who look like Chyna. Then the three of us took it to Motor City (the bar, not Detroit) and had some pints into the evening. Excellent time.
Sunday was Geek Tea which had me, Lurch and Evan sitting in the new tea house by the apt talking geek shit, and yes i wore my Sinestro Corps Tshirt. To top this off, my parents then called from of all places Forbidden Planet, excited to see Spirit figures in the window and my first issue on the book 1 copy away from being a sell out at the store (it's been pretty well received, I'm told). Then we ate some French.
It was a good old fashioned friends and drink and beat filled weekend. Can't complain...Since then it's the usual Wrestling on Mondays, Jessie came by for dinner on Tuesday (and I got really tipsy at Huckleberry before my haircut), and trying to get in some time with the Mrs., who is in work frenzy. I'm told we're still having a wedding, which is nice ;-)
F
I'm still trying to catch you up. I know. I think I had fun last weekend. I know Friday night, I was at Duff's drinking with Brandt and we didn't even work on a musical note. Then I hopped back into the city for some drinks with Jessie, some dude she likes, and Irene at Heathers. I know I was back at B's wrapping up our first ever home cooked Hypefactor remix, this one of The Sweetest Soul, and I must admit it sounds amazing. We've been toying with it for a few years, but we cracked down it for some reason as of late and it just clicked. Why we haven't been working on the album is a question I am afraid to ask, but I think March will be the month shit picks up (especially since we're seeing some awesome gigs). However, I sent Le Dossier a rough draft of the remix I'm sad I haven't heard back from him.
After the Rex Mix (as we call it) got into shape, B and I then grabbed some awesome at Caracas Arepa Bar and took our asses into the city for the release party/gig for the Screen Vinyl Image album. This was originally scheduled in BK, but somehow got moved to fucking Pianos, which I hate immensely. However, it's SVI, so we gotta represent. We were shocked to see SVI now has a drummer! This is a very cool development and it works well. My gut is that this will even get better as it progresses and will change a lot of the dynamic within the band. They played the loudest fucking set ever, and I regret the no earplugs, which I didn't even think of at the time but won't forget about next time. Loud as Fuck. Great tunes though. Hey even Sweets was there. Life IS Sweets.
Club Superstar Matt Gentile Last Of The Famous International Playboys was at a gig nearby on a similar schedule, so we met up with him as he was rolling smokes for LA transplants with trannie friends who look like Chyna. Then the three of us took it to Motor City (the bar, not Detroit) and had some pints into the evening. Excellent time.
Sunday was Geek Tea which had me, Lurch and Evan sitting in the new tea house by the apt talking geek shit, and yes i wore my Sinestro Corps Tshirt. To top this off, my parents then called from of all places Forbidden Planet, excited to see Spirit figures in the window and my first issue on the book 1 copy away from being a sell out at the store (it's been pretty well received, I'm told). Then we ate some French.
It was a good old fashioned friends and drink and beat filled weekend. Can't complain...Since then it's the usual Wrestling on Mondays, Jessie came by for dinner on Tuesday (and I got really tipsy at Huckleberry before my haircut), and trying to get in some time with the Mrs., who is in work frenzy. I'm told we're still having a wedding, which is nice ;-)
F
18.2.09
16.2.09
Conning
It's been awhile, so let's get right into it. 09 is a weird fucking year so far. Very polarizing. Things alternate between shit and awesome, and honestly, it's a little frustrating. Anyhow...
One of the fun things was NY Comic Con last weekend. It was my first Con as an official comic book writer (more on that in a miniute), so for me this was a big deal. The other half joined me as got to see a lot of old friends and make a bunch of new ones. I won't lie to you, I have been bitten by the writing bug. I love it and want to do more of it. Hopefully I will get that chance. I did a few panels, the main was was a surprisingly well attended PULP panel where I sat up with a series of Pulp writers, publishers etc. discussing the future of pulp, it's characters etc. I'm attached to a few film involving some known pulp characters, so that's what got me up there. After, I actually was asked to possibly write what would be my first prose work, which I'm really excited about.
I got to go to the DC Freelancers party, which was honestly, a blast. I got to hang with my dear friends Jeff and Shawn and through the evening got to spend time with everyone from Geoff to Jimmy to Tony to Mikie and so on. I even got to thank the gentleman who added me to the comp list (at last!!) Of course, I got sidetracked discussing Wrestlemania at length with the man known as Katz before heading off with Irene to Heathers to see Vik and Roberto, who were back in town for Jacky's baby/wedding madness. Awesome.
The second day of the Con saw me taking a lot of meetings, doing business both old and new, and introducing my former employer for what he called his "Keynote Address". I had prepped an intro, but my hungover ass made me ramble a bit, but I got a few laughs, he loved the intro and it was a fun panel. I did some press also that should be hitting the webs shortly. Speaking of press, I did a big ass interview in this magazine, called WRITE NOW which is about, well, writing and edited by the awesome Danny Fingeroth:
http://twomorrows.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=733&zenid=4f953ef8c7e9c62dff9e5cf22fc3b5e1
It's actually called "The F.J. DeSanto Interview", which I think is hilarious. Anyway, a nice thing to have.
I didn't buy much at the Con other than some wrestling DVD's, however, Irene got me a sweet Sinestro Corps Tshirt which I have been wearing to death. I also got a free Negation trade, the 4th vol in the lost great Sci fi series from Bedard and pelletier, that I desperately tried to turn into a feature many years ago. Ironically the director I attached to it has the # 1 movie out in the country this weekend. *sigh* However, I ran into Bedard and had him autograph it, which was sweet. I'm sure the Kidd will be stealing said volume soon.
After checking out the Star Wars panel (with cameos from Kyle and Jaime), Irene and I went to a screening of Kyle's film FANBOYS, which finally opened. It was great to see it again, especially in a room of Kyle's friends and family. I am so proud of my Jedi comrade. We went to the afterparty for a bit, then grabbed a quiet dinner and came home. I was so beat that second night that I was asleep before 11 and slept almost 12 hours. That meant I had to go back to the Con on Sunday, especially to see the Jeff Kinney's Wimpy Kid panel (we had a nice hello after) and to see Evan host the panel for the new WANTED videogame, which looks pretty sweet. Evan is a good host!
Sunday ended with what is becoming a welcome occurrence, The Matt Gentile Cameo. He was at The Travel Show, also at Javits, so we had a nice mini hang out. More on him in the next entry. I would say it was a successful con both professionally and personally, the only thing missing was of course, Jerwa. But thats what San Diego is for!
I might have missed a few things, but there will be more posts soon. Ok?
F
One of the fun things was NY Comic Con last weekend. It was my first Con as an official comic book writer (more on that in a miniute), so for me this was a big deal. The other half joined me as got to see a lot of old friends and make a bunch of new ones. I won't lie to you, I have been bitten by the writing bug. I love it and want to do more of it. Hopefully I will get that chance. I did a few panels, the main was was a surprisingly well attended PULP panel where I sat up with a series of Pulp writers, publishers etc. discussing the future of pulp, it's characters etc. I'm attached to a few film involving some known pulp characters, so that's what got me up there. After, I actually was asked to possibly write what would be my first prose work, which I'm really excited about.
I got to go to the DC Freelancers party, which was honestly, a blast. I got to hang with my dear friends Jeff and Shawn and through the evening got to spend time with everyone from Geoff to Jimmy to Tony to Mikie and so on. I even got to thank the gentleman who added me to the comp list (at last!!) Of course, I got sidetracked discussing Wrestlemania at length with the man known as Katz before heading off with Irene to Heathers to see Vik and Roberto, who were back in town for Jacky's baby/wedding madness. Awesome.
The second day of the Con saw me taking a lot of meetings, doing business both old and new, and introducing my former employer for what he called his "Keynote Address". I had prepped an intro, but my hungover ass made me ramble a bit, but I got a few laughs, he loved the intro and it was a fun panel. I did some press also that should be hitting the webs shortly. Speaking of press, I did a big ass interview in this magazine, called WRITE NOW which is about, well, writing and edited by the awesome Danny Fingeroth:
http://twomorrows.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=733&zenid=4f953ef8c7e9c62dff9e5cf22fc3b5e1
It's actually called "The F.J. DeSanto Interview", which I think is hilarious. Anyway, a nice thing to have.
I didn't buy much at the Con other than some wrestling DVD's, however, Irene got me a sweet Sinestro Corps Tshirt which I have been wearing to death. I also got a free Negation trade, the 4th vol in the lost great Sci fi series from Bedard and pelletier, that I desperately tried to turn into a feature many years ago. Ironically the director I attached to it has the # 1 movie out in the country this weekend. *sigh* However, I ran into Bedard and had him autograph it, which was sweet. I'm sure the Kidd will be stealing said volume soon.
After checking out the Star Wars panel (with cameos from Kyle and Jaime), Irene and I went to a screening of Kyle's film FANBOYS, which finally opened. It was great to see it again, especially in a room of Kyle's friends and family. I am so proud of my Jedi comrade. We went to the afterparty for a bit, then grabbed a quiet dinner and came home. I was so beat that second night that I was asleep before 11 and slept almost 12 hours. That meant I had to go back to the Con on Sunday, especially to see the Jeff Kinney's Wimpy Kid panel (we had a nice hello after) and to see Evan host the panel for the new WANTED videogame, which looks pretty sweet. Evan is a good host!
Sunday ended with what is becoming a welcome occurrence, The Matt Gentile Cameo. He was at The Travel Show, also at Javits, so we had a nice mini hang out. More on him in the next entry. I would say it was a successful con both professionally and personally, the only thing missing was of course, Jerwa. But thats what San Diego is for!
I might have missed a few things, but there will be more posts soon. Ok?
F
1.2.09
The Yoga Mat
It's hard for me to figure where I left off, what I have missed telling you about, etc. so I'm just going to go on about what I can and can't remember. My Twitter bullshit thing probably tells a better story these days than this blog. Forgive me for that, and if you give that much of a shit about this, go get yourself a Twitter and look your boy up. A lot of my blog time has been consumed with my now obsession with hitting the Precor for a half hour at least 5 days a week. Totally changed my life, if youve seen me lately, you'd know. It's great being able to wear those old Big A shirts again, son! Or daughter!
Anyhow, this is a weird time, certainly one of the strangest of my life. Extremely high highs and a few scary lows. I think this might be this way for a lot of people, and as usual, I am much more fortunate than the average Frank. There's been some moments of forgetting that this month, but luckily there are a few kind women and some assholes to slap me around to remind me of that. But yes, I've missed you. I've missed the simplicity of writing to you on this silly blog on a regular basis. I'm happy to be here at the moment, so let's try and get ourselves caught up if we can ok?
Besides work, which is always hard to explain, there are two main focuses (foci?) in my life, The Wedding and The Band. Honestly, the wedding stuff is more Irene's responsibility, but I occasionally get involved. This was sorta the big week in that the dress was chosen and the food was tested. Irene's mom came to town, which is a treat and a half for these festivities, so we had the whole crew together. Anyhow, the food tasting is more my thing, and I gotta tell you, some of you people reading this will be at this wedding and I am telling you, your asses are going to eat like champs. The company Irene found, http://www.creativeedgeparties.com/, is awesome and they are making me some sweet ass pigs in blanket, so we are fucking good to GO. The tasting was fun. And I have just spent the last 4 days eating homemade Korean food. WIN.
Sister in law and nephew came down for a brief cameo. Always happy to see my boy. He and I got a lot of Xbox in and we even went to a bar for drinks with G and B. I don't know why I like taking my nephew to bars. He drinks sprite and eats pretzels and chills and he is the best. Today we hit Chinatown, raided the arcade and then shot off fireworks with the New Years crowd success. He has me hooked on LIFT4DEAD on Xbox.
The other thing keeping me occupied, are the next two Hypefactor projects. Exit Strategies is near completion. Along with Ash, Charles came in last weekend to play his final parts for the album, and now it's really just down to your hero singing and B playing so guitars and we're ready to mix. We've been alternating this with wrapping up a Peka remix, which is coming along great, and the start the as of yet unnamed Hypefactor EP, the first of two, this one being the moody one. I want to document the songs to see if it ever changes, but the tracklisting is: THE THOUSAND SEAS, MAGIC WORDS (the third MOG related band to tackle this one), THE FREE AGENT, DESCRIPTIVE (first full band written track), and THE SWEETEST SOUL REX MIX (a remix of our classic). Let's see a year from now if we stuck to this.
Anyhow, I like you people, but I must go for now. I am enjoying all of todays Super Bowl movie trailers, especially STAR TREK. And I can't believe Kruger has written shit for those big ass robots I saw the Transformers trailer. Even GI Joe caught my interest. Hopefully, we're gonna have ourselves a fun comic con this weekend.
How are YOU?
F
Anyhow, this is a weird time, certainly one of the strangest of my life. Extremely high highs and a few scary lows. I think this might be this way for a lot of people, and as usual, I am much more fortunate than the average Frank. There's been some moments of forgetting that this month, but luckily there are a few kind women and some assholes to slap me around to remind me of that. But yes, I've missed you. I've missed the simplicity of writing to you on this silly blog on a regular basis. I'm happy to be here at the moment, so let's try and get ourselves caught up if we can ok?
Besides work, which is always hard to explain, there are two main focuses (foci?) in my life, The Wedding and The Band. Honestly, the wedding stuff is more Irene's responsibility, but I occasionally get involved. This was sorta the big week in that the dress was chosen and the food was tested. Irene's mom came to town, which is a treat and a half for these festivities, so we had the whole crew together. Anyhow, the food tasting is more my thing, and I gotta tell you, some of you people reading this will be at this wedding and I am telling you, your asses are going to eat like champs. The company Irene found, http://www.creativeedgeparties.com/, is awesome and they are making me some sweet ass pigs in blanket, so we are fucking good to GO. The tasting was fun. And I have just spent the last 4 days eating homemade Korean food. WIN.
Sister in law and nephew came down for a brief cameo. Always happy to see my boy. He and I got a lot of Xbox in and we even went to a bar for drinks with G and B. I don't know why I like taking my nephew to bars. He drinks sprite and eats pretzels and chills and he is the best. Today we hit Chinatown, raided the arcade and then shot off fireworks with the New Years crowd success. He has me hooked on LIFT4DEAD on Xbox.
The other thing keeping me occupied, are the next two Hypefactor projects. Exit Strategies is near completion. Along with Ash, Charles came in last weekend to play his final parts for the album, and now it's really just down to your hero singing and B playing so guitars and we're ready to mix. We've been alternating this with wrapping up a Peka remix, which is coming along great, and the start the as of yet unnamed Hypefactor EP, the first of two, this one being the moody one. I want to document the songs to see if it ever changes, but the tracklisting is: THE THOUSAND SEAS, MAGIC WORDS (the third MOG related band to tackle this one), THE FREE AGENT, DESCRIPTIVE (first full band written track), and THE SWEETEST SOUL REX MIX (a remix of our classic). Let's see a year from now if we stuck to this.
Anyhow, I like you people, but I must go for now. I am enjoying all of todays Super Bowl movie trailers, especially STAR TREK. And I can't believe Kruger has written shit for those big ass robots I saw the Transformers trailer. Even GI Joe caught my interest. Hopefully, we're gonna have ourselves a fun comic con this weekend.
How are YOU?
F