if i’m someone you haven’t heard from in 7 years, and i randomly pop up outta nowhere…would you be scared to talk to me? D: i think i scared this dude. if he even remembers me, that is.
The Church at Irving Plaza – Steve Kilbey, I know I love you.
I saw The Church on Wednesday, Reel Big Fish on Thursday and The Zombies (who aren’t exactly the zombies) yesterday. I feel restless, very giddy.
I don’t have time to talk about them all tonight, but I will start by giving out big love to The Church who were truly phenomenal in all sense of the word at The Fillmore New York. Steven Kilbey is my first secret love and Marty is my second and they are the loveliest dudes evaaaar. So a guy actually asked Steve if he had that ‘nude’ guitar. Hahaha. Anyway, if you’ve forgotten about these guys, shame on you, because The Church have made great music for about 3 decades now and recently released a new album “Untitled #23”, which is more or less the same old brilliance we’ve all come to love so much, and which was/is depressingly underrated and overlooked, even though it masterfully blends progressive and psychedelic with other amazing noises only The Church know how to make. Srsly, Marty’s hair (*drools*) and his were as quick as ever, he srsly won the crowd over. If you want to know what I’m talking about, just check out Tantalized live for a better picture.
Noteworthy songs on the new album: Pangaea Deadman’s Handand Happenstance.
So check it ouuuttt already! You should also check this out:
i really do say some weird stuff at the wrong times
Amy: Dune, do you know what I think? I think I could really do with more ice cream right now because you know what they say about ice cream.
Me: No, I don’t, Amy. What do they say?
Amy: Eating loads of strawberry ice cream makes you look like Michelle Phillips.
Me: BUT I DON’T WANT YOU TO LOOK LIKE MICHELLE PHILLIPS!111!!!!
Amy: Tough coz I sure as hell do.
Me: Oh well okay.
*10 minutes of silence later*
Me: At least I can still throw blonde jokes at you!
Amy: *****
The National came up with a bunch of sad songs for dirty lovers (emphasis on diiiiirrrrtttyyyy)
You know when you’re in that really mellow, laid back (and very lazy), mood? You know when you’re slightly under the weather and feeling a little down about not having an active sex life? Did I just say active sex life? Slip of tongue – subconscious mind working overtime, sorry. I totally meant love life. Anywayyyy, Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers is going to be your comfort album from now on.
Sheltered individuals who have not yet been introduced to Matt Berninger’s deep, husky voice have in fact not really been living before they listen and appreciate him. I once told my best friend that I was going to build Matt Berninger a statue made out of chewing gum and hide it in my closet like Hilda from “Hey Arnold!” did. It was sooooo cute (^_^) and portrayed unreciprocated love pretty well. That’s the kind of relationship Berninger and I share, I’m his Hilda and he’s my Arnold. Only difference is that instead of bullying him in public, I swoon and gush and drool (just like millions of other female and male fans). Which is why, ladies and gents, I’ve decided to bully him when I meet him. I should be seeing him later this year if I can, if not, next year. Hopefully, I’ll grab his attention this time. OR, I can just dye my hair hot pink and throw myself at his feet. I have a couple months to consider which strategy I should take…any other useful suggestions would be welcome.
Back to the album already.
The mood that this album holds throughout is indescribable, and when you think that a song can’t get any stronger or more powerful, you’re proven wrong…time and time and time again. I’ve cried to only a few albums, all of which can be counted on my fingers, and this album was one of them. You may not cry, you may actually laugh or choose to dance even, but it’s emotional for me. Of course, this could very possibly be because of my mood at the time of listening (since it’s the perfect album for those gloomy, rainy days or lonely, starless nights).
I personally have loads of those lonely nights where I’m home alone and I just want something to lose myself in. Listen to it at night while you watch the rain fall outside your window, the whole experience will truly be magical. Kinda corny, and you may be rolling your eyes at all of this, but I get this exciting “butterflies in tummy” feeling whenever I put my headphones on, sit myself comfortably in my couch at night, facing the window, with only the lights from the street coming in. Since I live in the city, I can watch cars passing by, people fighting, people yelling, people struggling – but my entire being is focused on Beringer’s captivating voice as my eyes follow all these different movements below and I seriously get transported to a different world.
Enough gush and mush, The National’s Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers = easy 11/10
Minutemen; the men who could record a great song in less than a minute
kekekekeke, I really amuse myself sometimes.
Have you ever heard of Mike Watt? No? OK, what about D. Boon? No again? K, what about George Hurley? Nope? What a sheltered life you must lead…
Double Nickels on the Dime’s double album has 43 tracks. Yeah and I love about 40 of them and the other 3 have their extremely special moments with me. In other words, I love all 43, I just wanted to be subtle about it.
I like punk rock a lot. I like The Clash, Husker Du, The Damned, Sex Pistols, Wire, Misfits and so on and so forth. Minutemen are one of those bands that in my humble opinion defined what punk rock was all about. So in 1984 they came out with this genius, magical, album that is regarded as one of their best works and probably one of the best hardcore punk albums of all time (it’s definitely one of the top 5 albums of the 80’s for me). Now don’t get me wrong, but this is no London Calling punk rock album. In fact, at times it loses its punkness completely…but funky this album is.
I don’t think I can put into words the brilliance of this album and actually do it or any of Minutemen’s members any justice; it’s like an explosion of energy and undeniable talent that you just have to experience for yourself to believe what the hype is all about. In fact, do us all a favor and go to the nearest record store and buy it. Now. Today. Yep, yep, off you go. You won’t regret it, and if you don’t think it’s worth it after listening, do the world and me a favor and never listen to music ever again (I have the right to be arrogant in my blog).
I remember when I was first introduced to Minutemen and the first thing I did was look at their pictures and think to myself, “Damn, those are some ugly dudes with pretty awful hair…” I couldn’t even imagine what their music was like, but since I was in an adventurous state of mind, I entered their world (with little expectations). Double Nickels on the Dime was actually the first Minutemen album I bought and what better introduction can one have to these music geniuses?
The first thing I noticed was how short the tracks were, I think their motto was: ‘Leave them craving for more and never bore them’ or something. It was either that or that they were really impatient men and bored easily of their songs? I find the latter easy to believe actually, and I’m the kind of person who may get bored of a song after putting it on repeat for a whole week. The shortness of these songs is what makes them all the more lovable and enjoyable. It all just…fits and works. 43 songs in some 70 minutes? WTF? Yes, please. We need more of that, for sure.
Moving on, the lyrics are unlike anything you’ve ever heard or will ever get the chance to hear, people just don’t make classics like these anymore. Consistent brilliance with each song, funny, catchy, song titles – this album can be the definition of perfect funky/punk album.
Our band could be your life
Real names be proof
Me and Mike Watt played for years
Punk rock changed our lives
We learned punk rock in Hollywood
Drove up from Pedro
We were fucking corndogs
We’d go drink and pogo
Mr. Narrator
This is Bob Dylan to me
My story could be his songs
I’m his soldier child
Our band is scientist rock
But I was E. Bloom and Richard Hell,
Joe Strummer, and John Doe
Me and Mike Watt, playing guitar
Number seven
On the chump list
Playing stooge
Eatin shit
Toadies
Toadies
Using that
As a reason
For kicking shit
All the dumb fucks
Toadies
Toadies
We are cuss words
Nearly illiterate
Dedicated
To fighting toadies
Toadies
Toadies
Toadies
And who cares that D. Boon can’t sing? His lyrics, emotions and energy certainly make up for what many people call an “awful voice” – at least they do for me and thus should for you, don’t be all petty now and get that goddamn stick outta yer behind. Sheesh.
The music is a mix of everything with rock; jazz, folk, spoken poetry, blues, country and of course there’s the punk and funk. It’s unbelievable how they could cram a bit of everything into one album and have it sound as perfect and flowing as it does. But that’s what Minutemen are known for; they altered music adding their own touches of jazz, blues and folk. Seriously, folk, funk, pop, jazz, blues all made with a set of drums a bass and a guitar…if you can’t appreciate that then you have no idea what you’re talking about.
I really can’t list any key tracks in specific, they’re all special, unique and damn right worth listening to over and over so get off yer butts (if you haven’t already) and go buy it now.
china’s ttly dominating the world, pplz
Music is awesome but I owe another kind of awesomeness a big mention. China Town Ice Cream Factory! Holy poop, man, my dessert treat was absolutely delicious.
Even though my friend Amy’s from NJ, she really doesn’t know much about NCY (it’s because she’s a blonde) but she had heard of China Town Ice Cream Factory so we ask a friend for directions and we’re on our way! We’re less than 15 mins from the place (which is bad because srsly, how can you resist not eating there every day? Thank god they don’t open every day!). But unfortunately, it took us a good 30+ mins to get there because Amy is a blonde and blondes always miss taking the right turns. Yes, I made another rude blonde-head generalization there, and damn does it feel good. Let’s see how many ‘it’s coz she’s blonde’ remarks I can squeeze in here.
So we go in (after it took Amy a good 10 mins to find a parking space -she missed two!- because she’s a blonde) and wahhh, something sure smelled good. Choosing flavors was the difficult part, and while it took me about 10 mins it took Amy even longer…because she’s a blonde. Sure everything looked delicious but I didn’t want to get overly brave since it was both our first times at the place. I played it safe with exotic strawberry and mango while Amy asked what each combination of flavor “tasted” like. I mean, there’s nothing wrong with asking a ton of questions, I’m all for knowledge and knowing what’s going into your body, but when she then picks two basic flavors (vanilla and chocolate) you want to slam your head in a brick wall. Of course, Amy being a blonde and all…no less was expected from her. I love Amy, really, I do. And she loves it when I throw blonde jokes at her, so I’m not really being mean. Right? *shifty eyes*
I’ve had some great ice cream (and I’ve had a lot of ice cream since it’s my favorite dessert) and this was definitely one of the best ice creams I’ve ever had. It helps to be a fan of strawberry and mangoes but even then I’ve had revolting strawberry and mango ice cream before so I know what I’m talking about when I say that this stuff is better than all that extra-sweet fudge cake that makes me gag from being too sweet. Ice cream is also healthier than all that extra-sweet fudge cake that makes me gag from being too sweet. Fer reals.
I’m going there every weekend…next weekend I’m trying the sorbet. Because they have some mouth-watering looking sorbets. *drools over keyboard a little* And the week after that, I’m going to be more courageous and try some combo flavors.
So definitely stop by China Town Ice Cream Factory if you’re in town. How witty! I just sounded like a bad (real real bad) ad, wooshwoooshwaaah.
My music ramble will follow shortly.
Zaireeka Makes the World Spin (better than pot)
I dreamed of the Flaming Lips last night which was weird since I had the time of my life at my very first Sonic Youth concert and imagined a very hot dream with Kim Gordon as leading actress, but no, the Lips were in my dreams, specifically Zaireeka actually. It had been well over a year since I last listened and so tiptoed to my friend’s room, turned on the lights took her bottle of water and sprayed some on her feet (best way to wake someone up is letting them think they wet themselves)
“I have to listen to Zaireeka right now!”
“huh?” *barely opens eyes* ((note to reader, it was 7am, we crashed at 4am. I really am a selfish person))
“There’s my laptop…your laptop…your car has a cd system right?”
*she nods*
“We need one more. I’ll call the guys!”
“what time is it?”
“We can always ask the neighbour to borrow his car I suppose..”
“HUH?”
“Just kiddddding…I need blank cd’s to burn!”
An hour later my friend Tim knocks on our door, looking very confused. Hair still not brushed (I have an afro in the mornings), in my flip-flops, a very old tank top barely there and jeans that need a good wash (srsly, I write on my comfy home jeans so there are doodles all over the place) I grabbed him by his arm and lead him to Amy’s car. We closed the doors and turned the volume up. I shut my eyes and drifted to somewhere magical. It was honestly the best morning I’ve had in a very very VERY long time. Even Tim appreciated it.
If you don’t have Zaireeka, you’re missing out on one of the best musical experiences in your life (and I feel sorry for you). It costs like what? $25? Don’t be a cheap ass, this purchase is worth every penny. Or cent.
what’s the second cutest animal to pandas? red pandas, silly!
note to self: never go to the zoo when it’s 80 degrees sunny outside without a bottle of water and food in your system. unless you want to test your gagging reflexes out.
p.s. red pandas are the second most cutest creatures ever. pandas being the first. i wish i had a pet red panda *sigh*
p.p.s. i feel like listening to the shins. i haven’t listened to them in ages.
p.p.p.s. i don’t think i can stomach sushi tonight.
p.p.p.p.s. here’s a little secret. i used to HATE sushi, and now it’s like a treat when i go for sushi. to quote my main man dylan, the times they are a-changin’
40 things about me you shouldn’t know.
The title makes this sound interesting, it really isn’t…but whatever.
1. My uncle once: got bucked in the face by a donkey. Yep, not a horse…a donkey.
2. Never in my life: have I intentionally hurt someone.
3. When I was five: I used to think I was a hindu. Being the only dark-head in the midst of blondes does that to you.
4. High School was: too damn long and depressing.
5. I will never forget: the people who take the time to think of me.
6. I once met: a pretty French girl who said my rosy red cheeks were adorable.
7. There’s this girl I know who: I used to think had life better than me, but she really didn’t.
8. Once, at a bar: I had a snack.
9. By noon, I’m usually: either just waking up or busy at work!
10. Last night: I saw Sonic Youth for the first time in my life and what a great show it was. Kim Gordon, I love you and if you weren’t married to a great man, I’d kidnap you and keep you all to myself.
11. If only I had: more money to go to more concerts! wakwakwakkk.
12. Next time I go to church: I will sing a song of praise, but I don’t go to church so it won’t happen.
13. Terry Schiavo: is dead.
14. What worries me most: is losing those people I care about.
15. When I turn my head left, I see: a window.
16. When I turn my head right, I see: a bookshelf!
17. You know I’m lying when: I hesitate, blush, stutter. Very easy to tell that I’m lying.
18. What I miss most about the eighties: is Ronald Reagen.
19. If I was a character in Shakespeare, I’d be: the one who’s madly besotted with Romeo while Romeo’s too busy drooling over Juliet. Story of my life. Girl likes boy, boy likes another girl :`(
20. By this time next year: I will be taking another summer holiday and seeing PJ Harvey.
21. A better name for me would be: dunia. No capital d!
22. I have a hard time understanding: politics and religion, especially when they contradict, which they usually do.
23. If I ever go back to school, I’ll: make sure I kick the popular kids where it hurts.
24. You know I like you if: I make any effort to talk to you.
25. If I ever won an award, the first person I’d thank would be: my mother and family. In that order, like that. Unless it’s a music award, in which case I’d thank Mark Prindle just because I think he’s better than sliced bread.
26. Darwin, Mozart, Slim Pickens & Geraldine Ferraro: yummy hunks?
27. Take my advice, never: drink and drive!
28. My ideal breakfast is: cornflakes or a banana chopped in some yogurt with honey.
29. A song I love, but do not own is: …n/a. Every song I love I own!
30. If you visit my hometown, I suggest: visiting the mountains, sea and valley.
31. Tulips, character flaws, microchips, & track stars: color, beautifully human, information, admirable
32. Why won’t people: stop arguing/ fighting?
33. If you spend the night at my house: I’ll never let you sleep (innuendo? nahhh, I’d just be too excited to have you because you’d most likely be a very special someone if I’d have invited you to sleepover and witness firsthand my amazing PJ’s)
34. I’d stop my wedding for: a family crisis, I suppose. Or if one of my favorite musicians asked me to marry them. I can’t imagine myself getting married though. Too young for that!
35. The world could do without: hate, racism, nuclear bombs and war.
36. I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than: chew and swallow a whole cockroach.
37. My favorite blonde is: this guy I know but would rather not mention his name.
38: Paper clips are more useful than: staples. Glue. The human race. True stuff.
39. If I do anything well, it’s: cooking pasta. All kinds of yummy Italian pasta. Pretty fattening stuff too, all that low-fat stuff just doesn’t do it for me when we’re talking Italian cuisine.
40. And by the way: I really didn’t enjoy doing this as much as I thought I would.
i wish i was a pirate
What on Earth is up with these machine gun pirates? I read somewhere that a little girl asked her mother if pirates were “goodies” or not and the mother wasn’t sure what to say.
I would have told her, “Those with wooden legs and parrots on their shoulders are fine, it’s those with big machine guns you shouldn’t go near, honey.”
I want to take these pirates seriously, and considering all the commotion they’re causing, I damn well should…but sometimes I just can’t. *chuckles* Why the hell is nothing being done to get rid of these looters? I mean, seriously, wake up U-S of A, if this was North Korea snooping around with a box of butter knives, 1,954,793,621 kilometres away from you, you’d have caused WWIII, yet no “serious” action to capture these pirates is being initiated. Aren’t they blackmailing governments too?
“Give us yer money or we shoot the President!”
“Anything but the President! Here’s $10m!”
*kill the President anyway*
Wah, they’re like the new Mafia, only…wetter. I want to be one of these machine carrying pirates. Where do I send my CV?
In all seriousness, there’s something very mysterious about these pirates. When everything’s unravelled one day and they turn out to be government funded militia, just remember that this chick from the internet world is out there smirking smugly and yelling, “I told ya so!” I’ll probably post it on here anyway. If I’m not one of them by then, that is.
