Saturday, June 04, 2005
Words of Wisdom
"Buffed Trent Reznor is basically just Glenn Danzig."
-- John O. (Law Student/Brother of Your Humble Editor)
This is particularly funny given the comment made by PDP-Contributor Juan S. after Coachella. "Dude, Trent Reznor is starting to look like Glenn Danzig."
And while we are on the subject of Mr. Reznor, I would like to take a moment to mention his new single. While "The Hand That Feeds" has a nice beat, the song is, in fact, ruined by that heaping pile of lyrical crap on top of it. Trent Reznor has never been accused (at least by me) of being a profound lyricist, but I am now convinced that he has a depressed, 13-year-old metal-goth ghostwriting his songs.
In other Liz-has-been-watching-way-too-much-Fuse news, I really want to cut out a snip of the chorus of "B.Y.O.B.," you know, the part where System of a Down starts to sound like Earth, Wind and Fire at an Armenian wedding (because, as my fellow Armos know, Serj always sings like a Der Hayr, or priest, even when he's got the funk). I want to take this slice of SOAD and loop it over a house track. It sounds very good in my head.
-- John O. (Law Student/Brother of Your Humble Editor)
This is particularly funny given the comment made by PDP-Contributor Juan S. after Coachella. "Dude, Trent Reznor is starting to look like Glenn Danzig."
And while we are on the subject of Mr. Reznor, I would like to take a moment to mention his new single. While "The Hand That Feeds" has a nice beat, the song is, in fact, ruined by that heaping pile of lyrical crap on top of it. Trent Reznor has never been accused (at least by me) of being a profound lyricist, but I am now convinced that he has a depressed, 13-year-old metal-goth ghostwriting his songs.
In other Liz-has-been-watching-way-too-much-Fuse news, I really want to cut out a snip of the chorus of "B.Y.O.B.," you know, the part where System of a Down starts to sound like Earth, Wind and Fire at an Armenian wedding (because, as my fellow Armos know, Serj always sings like a Der Hayr, or priest, even when he's got the funk). I want to take this slice of SOAD and loop it over a house track. It sounds very good in my head.
What's Wrong With Me?
I've never liked Black Eyed Peas and I'm kind of tired of the 80s references, so it pains me to admit that I really dig "Don't Phunk With My Heart," which manages to reference both Lisa Lisa's "I Wonder If I Take You Home" and Gucci Crew's "Sally That Girl." I think this might be the song that we will not be able to escape this summer.
I wonder, though, did Fergie sing "I Wonder If I Take You Home" on Kids Incorporated, or was that Martika?
I wonder, though, did Fergie sing "I Wonder If I Take You Home" on Kids Incorporated, or was that Martika?
Whoever Said Zines Are Dead?
Dnode is the LA underground electronic zine pieced together by Droid Behavior. It's a good read filled with reviews, an interview with Mark Verbos, hardware tips from Praxis and lots of other interesting tidbits. Plus, the cover looks like one of those educational video games that we used to play on the Apple II E during computer class in elementary school. If you want a physical copy, try to scope one out at stores and clubs in LA. There are 500 copies floating around the city for the next two months.
Friday, June 03, 2005
Follow The Cacti
Like desert parties, but hate the thought of your new friends Feather and Shadbush petting you like a cat as they wax poetic on such subjects as nirvana and vegan candy necklaces? Well, tomorrow night, it is time for the rockers to invade the Mojave.
Mojave Desert Festival 2005 starts and sundown and goes until sunrise somehwere in the beauty of the middle of nowhere (no joke, read the directions). The lineup includes: The Morlocks; Sky Parade; Spindrift; The Mojo Filters; September Gurls; Stevenson Ranch Davidians (this is the suburb from which the band derives its name); The Moon Upstairs; The Winter Flowers and She. Soulshaker, Dan Electro and Clifton (who we are excited to say is playing our next Discourse party) will be messing around with records and such.
If you are going, make like a Girl Scout and be prepared. Bring lots (like Costco-sized lots, it's the desert for Pete's sake!) of water, sweatshirts, flashlights, et cetera. Have fun!
P.S. If you have links for any of the bands mentioned here, post them in the comments section. I'm curious.
Mojave Desert Festival 2005 starts and sundown and goes until sunrise somehwere in the beauty of the middle of nowhere (no joke, read the directions). The lineup includes: The Morlocks; Sky Parade; Spindrift; The Mojo Filters; September Gurls; Stevenson Ranch Davidians (this is the suburb from which the band derives its name); The Moon Upstairs; The Winter Flowers and She. Soulshaker, Dan Electro and Clifton (who we are excited to say is playing our next Discourse party) will be messing around with records and such.
If you are going, make like a Girl Scout and be prepared. Bring lots (like Costco-sized lots, it's the desert for Pete's sake!) of water, sweatshirts, flashlights, et cetera. Have fun!
P.S. If you have links for any of the bands mentioned here, post them in the comments section. I'm curious.
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Bored in Brooklyn 02
For this second edition of Bored in Brooklyn, I am going to refrain from writing anything about bands containing people I sleep with or have been in other bands with. Is this what they call 'journalistic integrity'? Contact me for information re: my anonymous source policy, but in the meantime, some names need dropping.
Now, I've only been in New York for twenty-two months, and in that time I've seen more shows that I had seen in my first twenty-five years of life. It's exciting, sure, but after a while that band-fatigue starts to set in - goddamn it, I don't want to trek all the way in to Manhattan to see some band I've never heard of before, because the goddamn Metrocard rates went up and I'm tired and this club is where did you say and I really cannot stomach the thought of standing in some dank room surrounded by people I don't know while some second-rate group depresses me with their earnest attempts at "rock." On the other hand, every once in a while you pull yourself together and head out in the hopes that the band you've never heard of will turn out to be a band you want to know more about, and such was my luck with A Place to Bury Strangers. Their sonic assault had me pinned to the wall, jaw in the region of my knees. How on earth can so much sound issue forth from such a small group of people? I know rock critics enjoy phrases like "mind-blowing" and "face-melting," but I'm no rock critic, and APTBS are simply "fucking-amazing."
Switching gears entirely, I imagine most readers of this blogozine look upon singer-songwriters with some degree of skepticism (although I find the term singer-songwriter incredibly artificial; technically Corin Tucker writes songs and then sings them, so, what, is she a singer-songwriter? Is Peaches?). Yeah, me too. But give Alina Simone a chance. She's smarter than your average strummer-crooner, and while you can enjoy her recordings (click website for details), I was won over by her live show. She plants her feet so firmly and looks people in the eye and gives off an aura of equal parts confidence and warmth; by the end I wanted to ask her out for coffee. She's embarking on a solo career now, and her former bandmates in Emma la Reina are auditioning new singers and making plans to get back to business. Good news, because ELR are quickly becoming a band to watch here in Brooklyn - aside from being very cool people, they're quirky and talented and feature one of the insanest drummers I have ever seen in my life.
Three hours later, over and out.
Now, I've only been in New York for twenty-two months, and in that time I've seen more shows that I had seen in my first twenty-five years of life. It's exciting, sure, but after a while that band-fatigue starts to set in - goddamn it, I don't want to trek all the way in to Manhattan to see some band I've never heard of before, because the goddamn Metrocard rates went up and I'm tired and this club is where did you say and I really cannot stomach the thought of standing in some dank room surrounded by people I don't know while some second-rate group depresses me with their earnest attempts at "rock." On the other hand, every once in a while you pull yourself together and head out in the hopes that the band you've never heard of will turn out to be a band you want to know more about, and such was my luck with A Place to Bury Strangers. Their sonic assault had me pinned to the wall, jaw in the region of my knees. How on earth can so much sound issue forth from such a small group of people? I know rock critics enjoy phrases like "mind-blowing" and "face-melting," but I'm no rock critic, and APTBS are simply "fucking-amazing."
Switching gears entirely, I imagine most readers of this blogozine look upon singer-songwriters with some degree of skepticism (although I find the term singer-songwriter incredibly artificial; technically Corin Tucker writes songs and then sings them, so, what, is she a singer-songwriter? Is Peaches?). Yeah, me too. But give Alina Simone a chance. She's smarter than your average strummer-crooner, and while you can enjoy her recordings (click website for details), I was won over by her live show. She plants her feet so firmly and looks people in the eye and gives off an aura of equal parts confidence and warmth; by the end I wanted to ask her out for coffee. She's embarking on a solo career now, and her former bandmates in Emma la Reina are auditioning new singers and making plans to get back to business. Good news, because ELR are quickly becoming a band to watch here in Brooklyn - aside from being very cool people, they're quirky and talented and feature one of the insanest drummers I have ever seen in my life.
Three hours later, over and out.
Join Their Club
Saint Etienne fans are perhaps already in the know on this one, but just in case...
"Side Streets" is the new single from Saint Etienne and set for a UK release of 6/06/05, with the full-length Tales from Turnpike House set for release that following Monday (6/13/05). You can pre-order both the single and the album from Saint Etienne's website. According to a recent fan club newsletter, "The shop is eligible for the UK chart so any purchases will help us wing our way to the top. Coldplay are no doubt quaking in their boots." T-shirts and fan club only releases will be available on the website soon.
No word yet on when the album will be released in the U.S.
"Side Streets" is the new single from Saint Etienne and set for a UK release of 6/06/05, with the full-length Tales from Turnpike House set for release that following Monday (6/13/05). You can pre-order both the single and the album from Saint Etienne's website. According to a recent fan club newsletter, "The shop is eligible for the UK chart so any purchases will help us wing our way to the top. Coldplay are no doubt quaking in their boots." T-shirts and fan club only releases will be available on the website soon.
No word yet on when the album will be released in the U.S.
Droid Life Tonight
Leave town for a week and all hell breaks loose, such is the case for Droid Behavior, who returned from Detroit only to find out that the venue pulled the plug on the promoter's monthly Droid Life parties. This is the last bash for the time being and we hear that "shit is gonna go down tonight," in a good way, of course. Fear not, though, we have a feeling that Droid Behavior will be back with more dance party action soon.
Tonight's bill features Noah Pred, DJ Subversive and Buckminister. If you want to get in for free, RSVP to info@droidbehavior.com and show up before 10:30 p.m.
Droid Life @ Amalfi
143 N. La Brea
Los Angeles, CA
Age Limit Unknown, $5
Tonight's bill features Noah Pred, DJ Subversive and Buckminister. If you want to get in for free, RSVP to info@droidbehavior.com and show up before 10:30 p.m.
Droid Life @ Amalfi
143 N. La Brea
Los Angeles, CA
Age Limit Unknown, $5
Like Peaches?
Wondering what Peaches has been up to since releasing Fatherfucker two years ago? Well aside from remixing Le Tigre and Pink Grease and playing All Tomorrow's Parties in the UK, I don't know. So, go see her DJ tonight at La Polla Loca and get the scoop. I want another album!
La Polla Loca @ Little Pedro's
901 E. First Street
Downtown L.A.
21+, Free
La Polla Loca @ Little Pedro's
901 E. First Street
Downtown L.A.
21+, Free
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Teen C Power
I think Idiot Pilot gave a shout out to Pitchfork in the midst of last night's set.
Daniel: How about we do a song where you sound all ethereal on the verse.
Michael: And the chorus is really loud.
Daniel: And some people will call it redundant or unnecessary.
Michael: I think we have a few of those.
That was the gist of the onstage banter last night. When Idiot Pilot plays, there is a lot of onstage banter. There are jokes and calls for the audience to clap regardless of whether or not friends are clapping, which you know is a problem in LA. Then there are the antics, like Michael swinging from the rail of the balcony and climbing up the light pole in front of the stage at the Troubadour only to jump off like either a bona fide rockstar or anyone of us at any park before we lost our inhibitions.
I thought a lot about age during the show, mostly because Michael and Daniel of Idiot Pilot are old enough to vote, but still too young to drink and I think that might have been the writer's unstated criticism in that review (link in the previous entry). As Kid C. pointed, anytime any person hears rock and electronic music together in the same song, Kid A will be mentioned because that was The Big Album, but it sort of does the music and the band a disservice. It assumes that the members are too young to understand that there are bands outside of the mainstream, that it is completely impossible to fathom that someone so young might know about Aphex Twin or Squarepusher or, perhaps, even heard FSOL's "Papua New Guinea" once or twice. Listening to Radiohead might encourage people to seek other artists, in the same way The Cure introduced me to Nick Drake or The Smiths introduced me to New York Dolls.
I feel at odds with music these days, as though turning twenty-eight means that I can no longer relate to the teenage music fan that I once was. I go to shows and see people my own age plunder the decade of our childhood. There are Goth Princes and Gangs of Three (or Five or Six) and Tributes to L'Trimm all over Los Angeles. Virtually every song from every edition of Living in Oblivion has been covered. When I go out, I start to lose faith in music. When I saw Idiot Pilot last night though, I felt a bit of hope. This is a band at the very beginning of what will hopefully be a long career. These guys are green, but that does not mean that they are lacking in the sort of vision and ability that will help them go far.
Daniel: How about we do a song where you sound all ethereal on the verse.
Michael: And the chorus is really loud.
Daniel: And some people will call it redundant or unnecessary.
Michael: I think we have a few of those.
That was the gist of the onstage banter last night. When Idiot Pilot plays, there is a lot of onstage banter. There are jokes and calls for the audience to clap regardless of whether or not friends are clapping, which you know is a problem in LA. Then there are the antics, like Michael swinging from the rail of the balcony and climbing up the light pole in front of the stage at the Troubadour only to jump off like either a bona fide rockstar or anyone of us at any park before we lost our inhibitions.
I thought a lot about age during the show, mostly because Michael and Daniel of Idiot Pilot are old enough to vote, but still too young to drink and I think that might have been the writer's unstated criticism in that review (link in the previous entry). As Kid C. pointed, anytime any person hears rock and electronic music together in the same song, Kid A will be mentioned because that was The Big Album, but it sort of does the music and the band a disservice. It assumes that the members are too young to understand that there are bands outside of the mainstream, that it is completely impossible to fathom that someone so young might know about Aphex Twin or Squarepusher or, perhaps, even heard FSOL's "Papua New Guinea" once or twice. Listening to Radiohead might encourage people to seek other artists, in the same way The Cure introduced me to Nick Drake or The Smiths introduced me to New York Dolls.
I feel at odds with music these days, as though turning twenty-eight means that I can no longer relate to the teenage music fan that I once was. I go to shows and see people my own age plunder the decade of our childhood. There are Goth Princes and Gangs of Three (or Five or Six) and Tributes to L'Trimm all over Los Angeles. Virtually every song from every edition of Living in Oblivion has been covered. When I go out, I start to lose faith in music. When I saw Idiot Pilot last night though, I felt a bit of hope. This is a band at the very beginning of what will hopefully be a long career. These guys are green, but that does not mean that they are lacking in the sort of vision and ability that will help them go far.
Monday, May 30, 2005
Insert Pun on Album Title Here
Do not believe Pitchfork. See Idiot Pilot tonight at The Troubadour. Maybe you'll leave and think I'm nuts for recommending the show, but I humbly believe that you might find the record review more "soporific" than Michael Harris' vocals.
Idiot Pilot are second on the bill and, as such, are playing before 9:00 p.m. Ditch the barbecue and arrive early.
Idiot Pilot
The Troubadour
9081 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood
All Ages, $12
Idiot Pilot are second on the bill and, as such, are playing before 9:00 p.m. Ditch the barbecue and arrive early.
Idiot Pilot
The Troubadour
9081 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood
All Ages, $12
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Loft Party Tonight
It Feels Like Summer is the name of a certain loft party going down tonight in Los Angeles. Hosted by Scarlett Casanova (Hang the DJs) and curated by Roxana Javadi, the party is expected to go until 4:00 a.m., which is ridiculously late by LA standards. PINE*am and Walking in the Neon are playing live alongside D.A.R.Y.L. (Modesto) and This is Revenge (San Francisco). Dia, Cody, Soju, Apollo Starr and Maurice de la Falaise will DJ.
It Feels Like Summer @ The Hear House Gallery
2206 Beverly Blvd. (@ Alvarado)
Los Angeles
18+, $8
It Feels Like Summer @ The Hear House Gallery
2206 Beverly Blvd. (@ Alvarado)
Los Angeles
18+, $8
San Diego Czech List
Kadan is a city in the Czech Republic. It is also the inspiration for my new favorite bar.
We just sort of ended up inside Kadan. Kid C., Anthony the Great White Nookie Hunter, Dave the Wingman and I had traveled to San Diego yesterday for a wedding and were left with three aimless hours between the ceremony and reception. Erika, our friend who just happens to be a San Diego local, suggested that we all follow her to this bar that she loves. And so, by 3:30 p.m., we were in North Park drinking the stiffest cocktails ever poured (seriously, I thought I was going to pass out after my second) as a bunch of middle-aged guys walked really tiny dogs past the front door.
The decor is very Hapsburg Bohemian with dark walls, lots of books, chess sets and tons of swords. It is everything that I would imagine trying to find if I ever got off my ass and made a trip to the Czech Republic. And yet, we are only two hours away from home.
At night, Kadan transforms into a dance club, with nights catering to industrial, IDM and punk fans. If you ever head south, I recommend making a stop here.
Kadan
4696 30th Street
San Diego, CA
P.S. The Mexican restaurant next door to Kadan makes tasty tortilla chips smothered in guacamole y queso. I think these may have saved me from a nasty hangover.
We just sort of ended up inside Kadan. Kid C., Anthony the Great White Nookie Hunter, Dave the Wingman and I had traveled to San Diego yesterday for a wedding and were left with three aimless hours between the ceremony and reception. Erika, our friend who just happens to be a San Diego local, suggested that we all follow her to this bar that she loves. And so, by 3:30 p.m., we were in North Park drinking the stiffest cocktails ever poured (seriously, I thought I was going to pass out after my second) as a bunch of middle-aged guys walked really tiny dogs past the front door.
The decor is very Hapsburg Bohemian with dark walls, lots of books, chess sets and tons of swords. It is everything that I would imagine trying to find if I ever got off my ass and made a trip to the Czech Republic. And yet, we are only two hours away from home.
At night, Kadan transforms into a dance club, with nights catering to industrial, IDM and punk fans. If you ever head south, I recommend making a stop here.
Kadan
4696 30th Street
San Diego, CA
P.S. The Mexican restaurant next door to Kadan makes tasty tortilla chips smothered in guacamole y queso. I think these may have saved me from a nasty hangover.
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