Last night Bane played the Church. There is no other band that I have seen as much as them. The first Bane show I went to, about seven years ago, was as exciting, fresh and exhilarating as last night. I remember my parents wouldn't let me go to shows back then, so I lied and said I was sleeping over my friend's house. His older friend drove us up to Worcester. One King Down played. Wow. I remember the third or so time I had to lie again. I don't remember what my cover was, but the lineup was out of this world. It was at (the old) Lupos in Providence. Hatebreed, Bane, Poison the Well, Shadows Fall, What Feeds the Fire and Most Precious Blood. I remember when Hatebreed played my buddy and I were scared shitless. We went up on the balcony to watch and people were moshing up there. Huge circle pits everywhere. We used to go well out of our way for Bane shows too. Great shows in Salem, Taunton and Fall River, almost always with Reach the Sky.
Yesterday when I woke up I realized how excited I was. I can't think of a better compliment for a band than that. Over 7 years my love for Bane has not changed. It hasn't budged. Last night they opened with Count Me Out and went straight into Can We Start Again. Among others, they also played In Pieces. Oh, hell yeah.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Semiotics
We were discussing semiotics in class today, and I was surprised when I understood what it means. Unknowingly, I have been thinking a lot about its basic principles lately. Though semiotics deals primarily with symbols and signs, it also includes the study of "how meaning is constructed and understood." In short, we were discussing truth. The idea is used everyday by both the Right and the Left. Many/most believe that there is one truth. One answer. In theory, Wikipedia challenges this, as a database of "truths" on particular subjects. Moreover, these "truths" are written by the public. It's strange. But what's particularly scary is how people use these universal truths when it comes to morality and religion. Beliefs that there is one way to live. One "good" way to live. One "evil" way to live. Does any one have any good sites or know any good books about this stuff?
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Monday, February 19, 2007
Mastodon - Blood Mountain
For most, the notion of heavy metal conjures images such as the longhaired guy in their high school chemistry class who barely spoke, and a deluded reality-TV dad who seems to have forgotten that he once fronted one of the most badass bands of all time. On the other hand Mastodon’s new record, Blood Mountain, introduces us to a whole new world of popular heavy metal.
Their major label debut establishes a land filled with ogres, dwarves and magic crystals. Wow, can things get any more lame? At first you can practically picture the band sitting around a table in one of their parents’ basements, arguing semantics about Dungeons and Dragons or Star Wars role-playing games. It just fits so perfectly; the idea of 30 year old “men” living with their parents, still fascinated by wizards and hobbits.
But then you put their music on and your perception changes completely as your ears bare witness to amazing drumming, deafening guitars and fuming vocals. Sure, Blood Mountain is a concept album concerning fantasy worlds, but they made it so convincing and cool. The album tells the story of a man in search of the Crystal Skull, which he needs to place atop Blood Mountain. During his journey he encounters numerous varieties of creatures that ultimately threaten the success of his voyage. The story is a metaphor for the journey that the band is on as they face the challenges to being new to major labels and giant tours. Once atop their mountain they will have achieved the artistic success that they strive for.
Songs such as “The Wolf Is Loose,” “Sleeping Giant” and “Hunters of the Sky” document the beings the man stumbles upon, and also the temptations and lures of fame and fortune that threaten to bring the demise of the band. The song “Crystal Skull,” perhaps the best song altogether, showcases the technical transitions in the guitars and in the bass as it often shifts from participating in the leads to simply going off in a completely different direction. Drummer Brann Dailor’s unprecedented talent often provides the leads, which is an unorthodox and original approach to drumming.
The album also features numerous special guests such as Joshua Homme from Queens of the Stone Age, Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Isaiah Ikey Owns from The Mars Volta, and Scott Kelly from Neurosis. Homme and Kelly, on separate songs, provide their signature vocal styles. In addition, Mastodon’s records always feature instrumental prog-rock interludes, clearly influenced by bands like The Mars Volta, whose participants play a key role in the songs they appear on.
All in all, Blood Mountain is an outstanding effort from a gifted group of musicians. It becomes evident by its end that this is not a group of metal heads living in their parents’ basements, playing fantasy games. They’re just a little weird yet very creative. Come on, I know you saw and loved the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy. Give this a try.
These Arms are Snakes - Easter
For those familiar with Seattle’s “These Arms Are Snakes,” nothing extremely new, vital or groundbreaking will be found on their new record, Easter. The record’s production treads the same ground as their past two efforts as guitarist Ryan Fredericksen’s innovative licks continue to practically drone out singer Steve Snere’s yelps. Drummer Joe Preston, formerly of the revolutionary bands “Earth” and “the Melvins,” continues to provide excellent skilled beats and fills, constantly reminding the listener of his presence. However, if the band did indeed strive for a new sound on Easter, merely one listen undoubtedly proves that they stuck to the same formula that has defined their sound over the past few years.
Regardless of such negative comments, Easter may please old fans of the band in the argument that if they had indeed changed their sound to a discernible extent, it would probably be very dreadful. “These Arms Are Snakes,” despite their clearly idiotic band name come from a scene with a history of breeding strange, original and successful “indie” bands such as “Pretty Girls Make Graves,” “the Blood Brothers” and “Minus the Bear.” “Snakes” fits in with these bands with their use of bizarre and often meaningless lyrics, (if anyone can explain the meaning of the lines, “What was found on the wall was written by a third grader and read “I was found like molten rats in your city unkept,” I’ll take it all back.) Also assisting in their strange persona are keyboards, their tendency to tour with pioneering bands such as “Isis” and “Planes Mistaken for Stars,” and their secret weapon in guitarist Ryan Fredericksen. Prior to “Snakes” Fredericksen played in the seminal math-core band “Botch,” famous for pioneering a heavy sound with precise and uncanny time signatures somewhat similar to that of “the Dillinger Escape Plan.”
While tracks from Easter such as “Child Chicken Play,” “Lady North” and “Crazy Woman Dirty Town” (there are those horrible lyrics again) do indeed explore new melodies musically; others fall short in such endeavors. Two songs, “Subtle Body” and “Corporeal” each run between six and seven minutes. It’s not the length of these songs that kill them; it is the fact that they drag on, quite literally, without anything happening. In the band’s two efforts prior to Easter there are likewise two songs on each record that run anywhere from five minutes to eight minutes. These songs however do not bore the listener as the new ones do. Their centerpieces are incredible crescendos that erupt in violence and fury by their ends, most notably in “Drinking From the Necks of the Ones You Love.”
It seems as if “These Arms Are Snakes” have backed themselves into a corner with their music and are left to write the same songs over again, without the emphasis on originality that made them so remarkable in the first place. Unfortunately with Easter many people will be hearing the band for the first time and hopefully will not be turned off by the record. This band is excellent, both live and on their previous records. Don’t let their mistake with this record ruin your perception of them, even if with future efforts they do prove to be a band of the past.
Regardless of such negative comments, Easter may please old fans of the band in the argument that if they had indeed changed their sound to a discernible extent, it would probably be very dreadful. “These Arms Are Snakes,” despite their clearly idiotic band name come from a scene with a history of breeding strange, original and successful “indie” bands such as “Pretty Girls Make Graves,” “the Blood Brothers” and “Minus the Bear.” “Snakes” fits in with these bands with their use of bizarre and often meaningless lyrics, (if anyone can explain the meaning of the lines, “What was found on the wall was written by a third grader and read “I was found like molten rats in your city unkept,” I’ll take it all back.) Also assisting in their strange persona are keyboards, their tendency to tour with pioneering bands such as “Isis” and “Planes Mistaken for Stars,” and their secret weapon in guitarist Ryan Fredericksen. Prior to “Snakes” Fredericksen played in the seminal math-core band “Botch,” famous for pioneering a heavy sound with precise and uncanny time signatures somewhat similar to that of “the Dillinger Escape Plan.”
While tracks from Easter such as “Child Chicken Play,” “Lady North” and “Crazy Woman Dirty Town” (there are those horrible lyrics again) do indeed explore new melodies musically; others fall short in such endeavors. Two songs, “Subtle Body” and “Corporeal” each run between six and seven minutes. It’s not the length of these songs that kill them; it is the fact that they drag on, quite literally, without anything happening. In the band’s two efforts prior to Easter there are likewise two songs on each record that run anywhere from five minutes to eight minutes. These songs however do not bore the listener as the new ones do. Their centerpieces are incredible crescendos that erupt in violence and fury by their ends, most notably in “Drinking From the Necks of the Ones You Love.”
It seems as if “These Arms Are Snakes” have backed themselves into a corner with their music and are left to write the same songs over again, without the emphasis on originality that made them so remarkable in the first place. Unfortunately with Easter many people will be hearing the band for the first time and hopefully will not be turned off by the record. This band is excellent, both live and on their previous records. Don’t let their mistake with this record ruin your perception of them, even if with future efforts they do prove to be a band of the past.
TVotR -Return to Cookie Mountain
Prior to the release of their new record Return to Cookie Mountain, TV on the Radio, one of the most original bands of recent memory, was at a crossroads. They immediately garnered critical acclaim with their first releases, demonstrating influences as diverse as the Beach Boys and Gang of Four, along with hip-hop. Their last offering, Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes, while fresh and innovative, was too dense for its own good. Its nine tracks did not allow for a healthy progression in the record as a whole. Instead the songs each stood out as individuals rather than comprising a full developed record. On their major label debut however, their comfort level is obvious as they flow though 11 songs with such ease it’s a wonder why they aren’t the biggest band in the world.
The record opens with “I Was a Lover,” which features a deeply orchestrated sound often interrupted, in a very stunning way, by walls of noise. The song begins with a laid back hip-hop beat before the gorgeous textures of instruments and harmony flow though it. Then said noise breaks right in. It is unapologetic and brash, yet invigorating as it threatens to literally block out the rest of the music, which at that point has moved from centerpiece to background.
The vocals have always been the most refreshing part of TvotR. The band thrives on vocal synchronizations that take the Beach Boys’ harmonies and dresses them up in haunting imagery and tones. Though this dark, moody and invigorating style of harmony is present throughout the entire record, it flourishes like never before on “Wolf Like Me.” This is by far their best song to date. It opens with a single driving beat and gloomy synthesizers, which at first could be misheard as an opening for a more artsy Nine Inch Nails song, a band who they toured with this summer along with Bauhaus. By the time the vocals cut in the song is pushed farther and farther into a beautiful melody. Lyrically the song illustrates tension as they sing, “Got a curse I cannot lift, Shines when the sunset shifts, When the moon is round and full, Gotta bust that box gotta gut that fish.” Perhaps representing their apprehension on a major label, the brilliance of the song proves that they won.
Featuring an impressive guest vocalist on “Province,” it becomes clear that it only makes sense that David Bowie is on the record. As a figure that represents the fundamental basics of art and originality, he works well with TvotR, who have shown that they are worthy of carrying the same torch. With “A Method,” a simple doo-wop influenced song; the listener can practically see the band standing on the corner of Broad and Olney in 1950 doing the song, snapping their fingers and drawing spectators.
Such lavish atmosphere resounds though out Return to Cookie Mountain. Like past efforts, this one features density, but the patience in the record along with their lengths, makes it work. They have, undoubtedly, succeeded.
The record opens with “I Was a Lover,” which features a deeply orchestrated sound often interrupted, in a very stunning way, by walls of noise. The song begins with a laid back hip-hop beat before the gorgeous textures of instruments and harmony flow though it. Then said noise breaks right in. It is unapologetic and brash, yet invigorating as it threatens to literally block out the rest of the music, which at that point has moved from centerpiece to background.
The vocals have always been the most refreshing part of TvotR. The band thrives on vocal synchronizations that take the Beach Boys’ harmonies and dresses them up in haunting imagery and tones. Though this dark, moody and invigorating style of harmony is present throughout the entire record, it flourishes like never before on “Wolf Like Me.” This is by far their best song to date. It opens with a single driving beat and gloomy synthesizers, which at first could be misheard as an opening for a more artsy Nine Inch Nails song, a band who they toured with this summer along with Bauhaus. By the time the vocals cut in the song is pushed farther and farther into a beautiful melody. Lyrically the song illustrates tension as they sing, “Got a curse I cannot lift, Shines when the sunset shifts, When the moon is round and full, Gotta bust that box gotta gut that fish.” Perhaps representing their apprehension on a major label, the brilliance of the song proves that they won.
Featuring an impressive guest vocalist on “Province,” it becomes clear that it only makes sense that David Bowie is on the record. As a figure that represents the fundamental basics of art and originality, he works well with TvotR, who have shown that they are worthy of carrying the same torch. With “A Method,” a simple doo-wop influenced song; the listener can practically see the band standing on the corner of Broad and Olney in 1950 doing the song, snapping their fingers and drawing spectators.
Such lavish atmosphere resounds though out Return to Cookie Mountain. Like past efforts, this one features density, but the patience in the record along with their lengths, makes it work. They have, undoubtedly, succeeded.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Music of 2006
I have finally gotten around to organizing my ideas and opinions of music in 2006. To get right to the point, the year seemed to be in limbo between 2005 and 2007. Many great bands/records came out and will come out in those years. Thus, 2006 served as a year writing those records and touring on them.
For example, 2005 saw new releases from Against Me!, My Morning Jacket, Broken Social Scene and Sleater Kinney. 2007 will see releases from Wilco, Modest Mouse and Arcade Fire. Big bands that came out with new material last year included Mastodon, Built to Spill, Sonic Youth and Belle & Sebastian. Are these bands of the same caliber? Yes, but their efforts did not seem to be as strong. MMJ's 2005 record, "Z," was one of their best releases in their history. Sonic Youth's 2006 record, "Rather Ripped," though good, was rather just like their last two records. Sleater Kinney's 2005 record, "The Woods," again, found itself amongst their top three records of all time. Belle & Sebastian's 2006, "The Life Pursuit," was a dissapointment, especially when placed next to their 2005 compilation, "Push Barman to Open Old Wounds."
2007, so far, holds much promise. Arcade Fire's "Neon Bible," is absolutely amazing. Already my candidate, in February!, for album of the year. The Good, the Bad & the Queen put out a stellar eponymous debut. Released tracks from upcoming records by Jesu and Wilco show considerable promise.
2006 did have a lot of nice surprises, however. With hesitation, here is my list for "top records of 2006." There are 11 here because I heard 11 records that deserved it. Not enough to warrant a dwindling down to 10. Sad.
11. Tragedy - Nerve Damage
10. Mission of Burma - The Obliterati
9. Isis - In the Absence of Truth
8. Boris - Pink
7. Converge - No Heroes
6. Built to Spill - You in Reverse
5. Mastodon - Blood Mountain
4. Planes Mistaken For Stars - Mercy
3. Thom Yorke - The Eraser
2. Tom Waits - Orphans
1. TV on the Radio - Return to Cookie Mountain
There were too many dissapointments on the year. Flaming Lips "At War with the Mystics" worked too hard to accomplish its goal of "Yoshimi Part II." Pretty Girls Make Graves "Elan Vital" had three decent tracks on it, namely "The Nocturnal House." And what is it with all the critics blowing "The Hold Steady?" Those dudes are empty.
Musically, 2006 was best remembered by me for getting into new bands/obsessing over old ones even more. It was the year I picked up the Trojan Records Box Set of Dub. The year I obsessed over Elvis Costello, Isis and Dylan even more. The year I picked up The Velvet's "White Light/White Heat." It was also the year I got into Nick Cave. Those are much more memorable than my list.
So, here's to 2007!
For example, 2005 saw new releases from Against Me!, My Morning Jacket, Broken Social Scene and Sleater Kinney. 2007 will see releases from Wilco, Modest Mouse and Arcade Fire. Big bands that came out with new material last year included Mastodon, Built to Spill, Sonic Youth and Belle & Sebastian. Are these bands of the same caliber? Yes, but their efforts did not seem to be as strong. MMJ's 2005 record, "Z," was one of their best releases in their history. Sonic Youth's 2006 record, "Rather Ripped," though good, was rather just like their last two records. Sleater Kinney's 2005 record, "The Woods," again, found itself amongst their top three records of all time. Belle & Sebastian's 2006, "The Life Pursuit," was a dissapointment, especially when placed next to their 2005 compilation, "Push Barman to Open Old Wounds."
2007, so far, holds much promise. Arcade Fire's "Neon Bible," is absolutely amazing. Already my candidate, in February!, for album of the year. The Good, the Bad & the Queen put out a stellar eponymous debut. Released tracks from upcoming records by Jesu and Wilco show considerable promise.
2006 did have a lot of nice surprises, however. With hesitation, here is my list for "top records of 2006." There are 11 here because I heard 11 records that deserved it. Not enough to warrant a dwindling down to 10. Sad.
11. Tragedy - Nerve Damage
10. Mission of Burma - The Obliterati
9. Isis - In the Absence of Truth
8. Boris - Pink
7. Converge - No Heroes
6. Built to Spill - You in Reverse
5. Mastodon - Blood Mountain
4. Planes Mistaken For Stars - Mercy
3. Thom Yorke - The Eraser
2. Tom Waits - Orphans
1. TV on the Radio - Return to Cookie Mountain
There were too many dissapointments on the year. Flaming Lips "At War with the Mystics" worked too hard to accomplish its goal of "Yoshimi Part II." Pretty Girls Make Graves "Elan Vital" had three decent tracks on it, namely "The Nocturnal House." And what is it with all the critics blowing "The Hold Steady?" Those dudes are empty.
Musically, 2006 was best remembered by me for getting into new bands/obsessing over old ones even more. It was the year I picked up the Trojan Records Box Set of Dub. The year I obsessed over Elvis Costello, Isis and Dylan even more. The year I picked up The Velvet's "White Light/White Heat." It was also the year I got into Nick Cave. Those are much more memorable than my list.
So, here's to 2007!
Friday, January 19, 2007
GBV
Remember this band? The other day Lazor was over and he pointed out our Robert Pollard poster. I realized that I hadn't listened to GBV in a really long time. I was trying to find one of those live pictures where you can see the "puke" and "piss" buckets onstage. If anyone finds one, let me know. The most drunk band ever. God, Ohio is such a strange place. Still very bitter about missing their last show in Philly. Damn you Franz Ferdinand and the lure of Scots!
Confections
One of the best presents I got for Xmas is pictured about. It's finally starting to come in really nicely. I can't believe that Chia's have been around since 1982. I remember when I was a little kid, seeing commercials for them while watching GI Joe. There was an overabundance of Chia and Clapper commercials in those days. The funny thing is, Chia Homer came with an advertisement for the Clapper. Only $25. Remember those commercials, though? With the old man who couldn't reach the light switch so he just clapped and then kissed his 75 year old wife goodnight. I think that turning off a lightswitch is one of those telltale signs that one needs to enter a nursing home. Turning off lights and going to the bathroom.
Lately, my apartment has been a White Russian Tavern. Regular Kaluha is 40 proof, but I found a "Special" Kaluha, which is 70 proof and only $3 more than regular. Last night, after a "few" Russians, I decided to make a bag of "Movie Theater Popcorn." You know the kind. Loaded with butter. It was Orville Redenbacker too. The good stuff. When I began eating it I realized that it was actually Kettle Corn. Apparently I had grabbed the wrong bag. What I discovered though, was a remarkable taste. White Russians and Kettle Corn popcorn go together like whiskey and pizza. Try it, I unbelievably serious.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
I Saved Latin
It's official, I have one semester of college left. Two hours ago I walked out of my final exam of my seventh semester of college. Wow. If I lived on campus and had "lasting" relationships with more people at La Salle I would probably feel more nostalgic and perhaps a bit sad. But instead I'm kind of freaked out. Freaked out because this time next year I'll (hopefully) have a "real" job. Not just answering phones or serving families at their dinner tables, but wearing a tie and taking things seriously. Man, I hate this growing up stuff.
I've been listening to a lot of bands lately from the "glory days" of my generation of hardcore. Bands like American Nightmare, The Hope Conspiracy and Reach the Sky. Thinking about times when the Suicide File, There Were Wires and What Feeds the Fire would open up for Bane at the Met and northern colleges like UNH. I miss those times. It amazes me when I think about how much AN influenced modern day hardcore. They, quite literally, changed it. This happened in regards both to asthetic and lyrical content. Before them, New England (and nationwide, for that matter) hardcore kids dressed like they were going to see Ten Yard Fight and In My Eyes. Baggy-ish pants and everything. Then when AN came around, clothes got tighter and hair everywhere was dyed black. The lyrics weren't all about "the edge" and bad friends, they were about directed frustration. They attacked things that mattered. The 'scene' was less violent and more...dark. I remember waiting outside the Met in Providence for one the of best shows I have ever been to...Converge, American Nightmare, The Hope Conspiracy, Thursday and Planes Mistaken for Stars. Everyone outside wore black hoodies with the hoods up. Everyone was super nice and would eat Spike's hot dogs and wings before the show. The atmosphere was unbelievable.
Now it seems that the only thing that has remained is the look. Black hoods and tight jeans (I'm not criticizing that, I'm wearing the same thing at this moment.) But it's all intimidation. It used to be about intimidation against those we hated...the 9-5's and the emo-singer who stole your girl. Now everyone's against each other.
I don't know what the point of this is really. I just remember having terrible weeks at school and home and exploding when Bane or AN hit the stage. Screaming along to the Hope Con's "Truth and Purpose." Nothing else mattered. Now I don't wanna go to shows because I don't want to pay not to dive and go off. The Suicide File needs to get back together. The Hope Con needs to come around. Modern Life Is War, the closest thing we have to AN (we wouldn't have MLIW without AN,) needs to come around more often. And most of all, December 30 needs to roll around sooner. Bane in Worcester. Outbreak. And someother band I love (you know who.) But unfortunately because it's 2006 we'll have to deal witht the bullshit...the metal bands that have no place in a hardcore show and that gang of fuckers that needs to chill out.
I need to start a fucking band...
Playlist:
The Suicide File - Some Mistakes...
The Hope Con - all
AN - Background Music
Kafka - The Metamorphosis
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Mercy
Check out Klosterman's article concerning Ali and hip-hop (it's a precursor of sorts to ESPN's special airing on Sunday, which explores the relationship between the boxer and rap.) I like how he calls T.O., "more apolitical than Jay Leno."
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=alirap1
Also, Planes Mistaken for Stars' new record, "Mercy" is great. Amazing? It's up there. Their set last night on the Church stole the show (as usual.) It amazing me how this band can be so great yet so underrated for so long. They've been around for a decade (next year.) I've only seen them headline a show once and the place was (maybe) a third full. Everybody needs to get into this band. Gutsy music.
Playlist:
PMFS - Mercy
Silent Drive - Love Is Worth It
Avail
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=alirap1
Also, Planes Mistaken for Stars' new record, "Mercy" is great. Amazing? It's up there. Their set last night on the Church stole the show (as usual.) It amazing me how this band can be so great yet so underrated for so long. They've been around for a decade (next year.) I've only seen them headline a show once and the place was (maybe) a third full. Everybody needs to get into this band. Gutsy music.
Playlist:
PMFS - Mercy
Silent Drive - Love Is Worth It
Avail
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Get-Hard (That's right, I'm 10.)
You should all check out the project that my buddy Gregg began. He decided to attends events in the city that he has never tried before, whenever he can. For instance he went to a "Rock School" and also Women's Wrestling in South Philly. Check out his blog. It's very entertaining.
http://gregggethard.blogspot.com/
http://gregggethard.blogspot.com/
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Cop Killa!
Tis' the time of year of stress. Why is it that professors feel the need to wait until the end of the semester to load up the assignments? And why do I also wait until the end of the semester to begin term papers? Some things i'll forever ponder.
I found, well...Shelly found, my ipod last week. I'm not even going to say how long I was without it. Much too long. Last time I had it I used her luggage to go home and it was during this time that I lost it. I figured it was stolen and, actually, was planning on buying a new one in the coming weeks. Last week Shelly called me while she was packing to go to that state and she apparently found it hidden in a pocket in her luggage. To no avail I searched high and low for it for months; even looking in the luggage. But now I have it. So much music I missed. I always liked walking around the city listening to music. As someone who overthinks everything that happens, it's nice to just listen to music between locations. I was most excited to get back Spoon, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, the White Album, and assorted Dylan bootlegs. It's also nice to hear Ginsberg's and Bukowski's voices again.
So two weekends ago I had a bit of an incident. If you're reading this you probably already know about it, but honestly i'm still so angry and shaken up from it i'm not ready to rant about it yet. But as Gregg said, "One day soon you'll find this to be the funniest story of your life." Maybe so. But not until all the consequences are finished. And after I firebomb the police station. (Joke, officers.)
On another "i'm a big fuck-up and my life's a mess right now" point...i quit my job last weekend. Because Moriarty's is in the theater district and a magnet for simple-minded, Miller Lite soaked frat parties, my boss scheduled me 6 straight nights. Keep in mind, i'm in the heart of stressfull term paper/finals month. As a result I told him I didn't think I could continue working for him. As I told him, "There is no way i'm getting C's because of a fucking Irish Pub." Now, this might seem a bit aggressive but let's look at the facts. I've never missed a shift or been late in over three months, however my bosses continuously tell me to "get my shit together," along with other such positive reinforcements. One day, at the beginning of a shift when I had one single table, which had one single patron, I was in the kitchen making him a salad. The owner, being the hothead, Irish, ex-drill sergeant that he is, walked by and said, "What the fuck do you think you're doing?" "I'm, ummm...making a salad." "No you're fucking not," he continued. "Are you always this fucking slow or just today?" In response I was honest; "Just today, sir." At that the entire kitchen broke out in laughter. "Oh shit," I thought, "the Mexicans know sarcasm. Now i'm in trouble." "Well, smartass. THIS IS HOW YOU MAKE A SALAD!!!" At that moment he walked over to the salad bin, shoved his hands in, threw it on the plate (creating a fucking mess), looked me in the eye and said "That's how you make a fucking salad!" Wow. I'm been speechless ever since. Now keep in mind that the first time I was ever "in trouble" at the pub was because I made a salad that was messy. I've had my fair share of bosses. And as a result i've had my fair share of jerkoff bosses. But this guy takes the cake. So do me a favor. Next time you walk by Moriarty's on 11th & Walnut...i don't even know. That's how messed up they are. They suck so much that I don't even know how to take revenge. Give me some ideas. Just do something. Just don't go in unless you're going to puke on patrons. Help me out.
I found, well...Shelly found, my ipod last week. I'm not even going to say how long I was without it. Much too long. Last time I had it I used her luggage to go home and it was during this time that I lost it. I figured it was stolen and, actually, was planning on buying a new one in the coming weeks. Last week Shelly called me while she was packing to go to that state and she apparently found it hidden in a pocket in her luggage. To no avail I searched high and low for it for months; even looking in the luggage. But now I have it. So much music I missed. I always liked walking around the city listening to music. As someone who overthinks everything that happens, it's nice to just listen to music between locations. I was most excited to get back Spoon, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, the White Album, and assorted Dylan bootlegs. It's also nice to hear Ginsberg's and Bukowski's voices again.
So two weekends ago I had a bit of an incident. If you're reading this you probably already know about it, but honestly i'm still so angry and shaken up from it i'm not ready to rant about it yet. But as Gregg said, "One day soon you'll find this to be the funniest story of your life." Maybe so. But not until all the consequences are finished. And after I firebomb the police station. (Joke, officers.)
On another "i'm a big fuck-up and my life's a mess right now" point...i quit my job last weekend. Because Moriarty's is in the theater district and a magnet for simple-minded, Miller Lite soaked frat parties, my boss scheduled me 6 straight nights. Keep in mind, i'm in the heart of stressfull term paper/finals month. As a result I told him I didn't think I could continue working for him. As I told him, "There is no way i'm getting C's because of a fucking Irish Pub." Now, this might seem a bit aggressive but let's look at the facts. I've never missed a shift or been late in over three months, however my bosses continuously tell me to "get my shit together," along with other such positive reinforcements. One day, at the beginning of a shift when I had one single table, which had one single patron, I was in the kitchen making him a salad. The owner, being the hothead, Irish, ex-drill sergeant that he is, walked by and said, "What the fuck do you think you're doing?" "I'm, ummm...making a salad." "No you're fucking not," he continued. "Are you always this fucking slow or just today?" In response I was honest; "Just today, sir." At that the entire kitchen broke out in laughter. "Oh shit," I thought, "the Mexicans know sarcasm. Now i'm in trouble." "Well, smartass. THIS IS HOW YOU MAKE A SALAD!!!" At that moment he walked over to the salad bin, shoved his hands in, threw it on the plate (creating a fucking mess), looked me in the eye and said "That's how you make a fucking salad!" Wow. I'm been speechless ever since. Now keep in mind that the first time I was ever "in trouble" at the pub was because I made a salad that was messy. I've had my fair share of bosses. And as a result i've had my fair share of jerkoff bosses. But this guy takes the cake. So do me a favor. Next time you walk by Moriarty's on 11th & Walnut...i don't even know. That's how messed up they are. They suck so much that I don't even know how to take revenge. Give me some ideas. Just do something. Just don't go in unless you're going to puke on patrons. Help me out.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Been a long time
A lot has happened over my last post. I work at Moriarty's Bar/Pub at 11th & Walnut. Come in and visit. I can't get you free beer but probably some fries or soup. Hell yeah...fries and soup. Because I had "so much experience as a server" they hired me. I fuck up more often than on occassion and my boss and I (surprise, surprise) hate eachother, but it pays well. Like any other job with workers my age, the drama never stops. It's annoying and frustrating so I deal with it by going in, doing my shit without talking to anyone, and leaving.
For those of you who know me, I love drinking. Most nights by 11 i'm sitting infront of the TV, watching Baseball Tonight and having some drinks. Sometimes even when I go out with friends I have "a little too much" and get a little, as Erich puts it, "rowdy." But the best beers I have ever drank are at 2:30 AM after i've been on my feet for 11 straight hours busting my ass. Soo good. And with 28 different beers on tap i'm in heaven.
On another note I saw Isis at the Church on Sunday. Wow. With about 10 amps and 15 pedals on stage I needed to change my pants every 10 minutes. So good. They had a day off from touring the Tweeter Centers of the country with Tool so they went for the intimate show. Soo loud. And I wonder why I get migraines.
I bought a bottle of Ballinger Scotch Whiskey yesterday after listening to Tom Waits and Johnny Cash for 2 straight hours. Mmmmm. I then proceded to stay up drinking while listening to "Live at Folsom Prison" on repeat. I love life.
I made two lists (I'm not trying to be Rob Gordon, I swear) in Stalinism today of the best shows I saw this summer, and the single best sets.
Best Shows (Lineups, atmosphere, etc,)
1. Radiohead - Tower Theater
*New songs were unbelievable. "Let Down"!
2. Mogwai & Torche - Starlight Ballroom
*And to think, I almost didn't get to go
3. Paint It Black, The Loved Ones, Cloak/Dagger - The Church
*Drunk stage diving
4. X & the Rollins Band - TLA
*Hot rockabilly girls
5. Bane, Modern Life is War, Outbreak - The Church
*No comment needed
6. Gorilla Biscuits & Murphy's Law - Starlight Ballroom
*Sung the last verse of "High Hopes" with Civ, while on the crowd. On par with singing "Walk Together, Rock Together" with Kevin Seconds
7. Sleater Kinney - Starlight Ballroom
*Third to last show ever. Made me a true believer
8. Sonic Youth - Starlight Ballroom
*Be Your Own Pet sucks so badly they bumped this to #8
9. Strike Anywhere, Modern Life Is War, Ignite - The Church
*More drunk stage diving
10. Envy - The Church
*Best live band ever
Best Sets (Performances, setlists, etc.)
1. Radiohead - Tower Theater
*Yup
2. Mogwai - Starlight Ballroom
*Yup
3. Gorilla Biscuits - Starlight Ballroom
*See above
4. Sleater Kinney - Starlight Ballroom
*And again
5. Envy - The Church
*Get stoned and listen to Envy, then you'll see
6. Paint It Black - The Church
* Dave's last show. Best PIB set ever
7. Lightning Bolt - Starlight Ballroom
* Woah...fucking insane. Way too drunk and stoned for that one
8. The Rollins Band - TLA
*Original lineup. Rollins live is...is...i don't even know what to say. Intense
9. Mission of Burma - The Church
*"That's when I reach for my revolver!"
10. Red Sparrowes - The Church
*I can't believe I was not on drugs for this
**Runner up --- Sonic Youth - Starlight Ballroom
*Didn't play enough old songs
Some say I need a life...
For those of you who know me, I love drinking. Most nights by 11 i'm sitting infront of the TV, watching Baseball Tonight and having some drinks. Sometimes even when I go out with friends I have "a little too much" and get a little, as Erich puts it, "rowdy." But the best beers I have ever drank are at 2:30 AM after i've been on my feet for 11 straight hours busting my ass. Soo good. And with 28 different beers on tap i'm in heaven.
On another note I saw Isis at the Church on Sunday. Wow. With about 10 amps and 15 pedals on stage I needed to change my pants every 10 minutes. So good. They had a day off from touring the Tweeter Centers of the country with Tool so they went for the intimate show. Soo loud. And I wonder why I get migraines.
I bought a bottle of Ballinger Scotch Whiskey yesterday after listening to Tom Waits and Johnny Cash for 2 straight hours. Mmmmm. I then proceded to stay up drinking while listening to "Live at Folsom Prison" on repeat. I love life.
I made two lists (I'm not trying to be Rob Gordon, I swear) in Stalinism today of the best shows I saw this summer, and the single best sets.
Best Shows (Lineups, atmosphere, etc,)
1. Radiohead - Tower Theater
*New songs were unbelievable. "Let Down"!
2. Mogwai & Torche - Starlight Ballroom
*And to think, I almost didn't get to go
3. Paint It Black, The Loved Ones, Cloak/Dagger - The Church
*Drunk stage diving
4. X & the Rollins Band - TLA
*Hot rockabilly girls
5. Bane, Modern Life is War, Outbreak - The Church
*No comment needed
6. Gorilla Biscuits & Murphy's Law - Starlight Ballroom
*Sung the last verse of "High Hopes" with Civ, while on the crowd. On par with singing "Walk Together, Rock Together" with Kevin Seconds
7. Sleater Kinney - Starlight Ballroom
*Third to last show ever. Made me a true believer
8. Sonic Youth - Starlight Ballroom
*Be Your Own Pet sucks so badly they bumped this to #8
9. Strike Anywhere, Modern Life Is War, Ignite - The Church
*More drunk stage diving
10. Envy - The Church
*Best live band ever
Best Sets (Performances, setlists, etc.)
1. Radiohead - Tower Theater
*Yup
2. Mogwai - Starlight Ballroom
*Yup
3. Gorilla Biscuits - Starlight Ballroom
*See above
4. Sleater Kinney - Starlight Ballroom
*And again
5. Envy - The Church
*Get stoned and listen to Envy, then you'll see
6. Paint It Black - The Church
* Dave's last show. Best PIB set ever
7. Lightning Bolt - Starlight Ballroom
* Woah...fucking insane. Way too drunk and stoned for that one
8. The Rollins Band - TLA
*Original lineup. Rollins live is...is...i don't even know what to say. Intense
9. Mission of Burma - The Church
*"That's when I reach for my revolver!"
10. Red Sparrowes - The Church
*I can't believe I was not on drugs for this
**Runner up --- Sonic Youth - Starlight Ballroom
*Didn't play enough old songs
Some say I need a life...
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Senior??
So it's my first day as a Senior in college. So far i've succeeded in forgetting everybody's name and being late for my classes. I'm an asshole. Things around here are indeed weird as most of my friends graduated last year. I need some Uber St. love.
I have an interview tonight at Moriarty's bar/pub on 11th/Walnut. My Uncle John is covering my ass saying that I served at his pub in RI for about a year. This way I can prove my "experience" as a server. I hope this works out, I need a job.
Playlist:
Wilco - Summerteeth
Bob Dylan - Desire
Ian McEwan - Saturday
I have an interview tonight at Moriarty's bar/pub on 11th/Walnut. My Uncle John is covering my ass saying that I served at his pub in RI for about a year. This way I can prove my "experience" as a server. I hope this works out, I need a job.
Playlist:
Wilco - Summerteeth
Bob Dylan - Desire
Ian McEwan - Saturday
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Friday, August 04, 2006
Hyped Bands (Usually) Suck...
I was welcomed at the computer this afternoon to news that last year's ultra-hyped cool-kid band, "Death From Above 1979" broke up. It reminded me of Bloc Party, Art Brut, the Rapture, and the 10,000+ other bands that yesterday and/or today have been deemed "cool," yet who fade out a year later. These bands rely on and swell in the drool that drips from the mouths of early and mid-20's "indie kids" with moustaches and jackets in August. Anti-hipster blog propaganda with always exist, but shit...last year this band was literally THE COOLEST BAND EVER. They sold out the Church on numerous occasions. "Duude...you haven't got their record yet. You should check it out duude. It's so, The Futureheads meets Wire meets Lightning Bolt. You'd like it maan."
There will always be "cool new bands," but not all of them are bad. Some deserve the credit they'r given so early on in their careers. The Strokes write really good rock and roll songs. The Decemberists are really original. The Arcade Fire, as annoying as they've become, are really talented song-writers. But dance-punk-pop, even when made simply with drums and a bass, is not original. Your moustaches suck. Your girl pants suck. I could start a band like all that shit, dress like them, and I'll bet people would take notice. It's fuckin sad.
Playlist:
Fear & Black Flag
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Riot Grrls are Hot (But They'd Probably Beat Me Up If They Read That)
Last night was the long awaited Sleater-Kinney show at the Starlight, one of their last shows together. To be honest, I wouldn't have put that much effort into going if my girlfriend wasn't so into them. But I went. I looked forward to it, but not like others did. Holy shit though, they blew me away. Maybe it was the Bud Ice I was constantly ingesting but a 30-something year old woman with short hair, electric guitar, and screaming at the top of her lungs makes me giddy and hot all over. Woah. Perhaps the second best set I've seen all summer (behind Mogwai.) I wish I could find a setlist somewhere. Oh yeah, and they appreciated my request for Mother. "Hahaha...Danzig ::shakes head::"
I'm at La Salle working right now which means that no, all those motherfuckers I've been applying to for a job the past month don't wanna hire me. Oh well, I'm done caring (I think.) Anyways, Friday was the Paint it Black show at the Church. In typical fashion drinks were had at the Midtown beforehand. 24 oz.'s in the street between sets. Cloak/Dagger rules. Erich's a moron and hurt himself really badly during the Loved Ones (also known as "a bunch of rock stars.") PIB played one of their best sets ever. No joke. Stage dive mania. Next Sunday is Gorilla Biscuits and I'm gonna dive once every 45 seconds. Go ahead, pilgrim...prove me wrong.
Ahhh summer...stagedives & high-fives. Fuckin hot out. Depressing world news. Go Israel. Fuck the Yankees. Go Sox. Go Twins. Fuck nursing students. Go dehydration...
Playlists:
R.E.M. - Eponymous, Automatic for the People
These Arms Are Snakes - Easter (Got my hands on an advanced copy. This band doesn't relent. So good.)
The Economist
Pet Cemetary - Stephen King
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