stand there. dance with a memory.

2007-01-03T21:29:00.000-08:00

Hey ya'll.

Second post in a year! Wheee!

Some of you have been asking about my end of the year list tradition.
Well, better late than never, eh?

Once again I watched way too many movies, bought too many cds, and went to too many shows. Here's what made it all worthwhile for me.

Music-

1)Tom Waits- Orphans
2)TV On The Radio- Return to Cookie Mountain
3)Yo La Tengo- I'm Not Afraid Of You And I Will Beat Your Ass
4)Thom Yorke- The Eraser
5)Jenny Lewis with The Watson Twins- Rabbit Furcoat
6)Midlake- The Trials of Van Occupanther
7)Camera Obscura- Let's Get Out Of This Country
8)Cat Power- The Greatest
9)Neko Case- Fox Confessor Brings The Flood
10)Belle And Sebastian- The Life Pursuit

Film-

1)Little Miss Sunshine
2)Borat
3)Babel
4)The Science of Sleep
5)Talladega Nights-The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
6)Half Nelson
7)Old Joy
8)Marie Antoinette
9)The Proposition
10)Pirates Of The Caribean 2- Dead Man's Chest

Shows-

1)Sufjan Stevens @ Saint Andrews Wesley
2)Fiona Apple & Damien Rice @ Chateau St. Michelle
3)Over The Rhine @ Regent College
4)TV On The Radio & Grizzly Bear @ Commodore
5)Chad VanGaalen @ Media Club

2006-03-31T12:37:00.000-08:00

Normally I wouldn't do this, but I figure, I haven't posted in a while, I probably owe you, and this is an easy cop out:

STEVER tagged me to complete a list of fours:

FOUR JOBS I’VE HAD
1. painting and general labour at houses my parents rent out
2. delivery, dishwashing, and food prep @ dominos pizza
3. delivery, dishwashing, and food prep @ dorion greek taverna
4. worship and youth leader @ Burnaby North Baptist Church

FOUR MOVIES/SHOWS I’VE BEEN ADDICTED TO:
1. The Simpsons (4-EVA)
2. 24 (though my interest is starting to wane)
3. Magnolia
4. The Royal Tenenbaums

FOUR PLACES I’VE LIVED:
1. Some place in South Van I don't remember
2. Gary Street in Richmond
3. Swansea Dr in Richmond
4. Dive on the Drive, yo!

FOUR COUNTRIES I WOULD LIKE TO VISIT:
1. The UK
2. Iceland
3. Thailand (yummy green coconut milk curry) then hit Indonesia (live in a hut on a beach)
4. Argentina/Brazil

FOUR POPULAR FALSE ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT ME:
1. That I'm the same age as the people I hang out with (generally they're younger)
2. That I'm a pastor
3. That I'm in a band
4. That I don't update my blog

FOUR PEOPLE I LOOK LIKE (according to some people):
1. My dad
2. That guy from "OMD" (how bizzare)
3. I'm "unique"

FOUR THINGS (I HOPE) TO DO BEFORE I DIE:
1. Own a house so I can pimp it out.
2. Marry Miss Ebbie Chang
3. Have 2.3 kids
4. another blog update

2006-01-06T16:35:00.000-08:00

The New Year Smells Funky

Well, here's what you've been waiting for: A numericized distillation of my years listening:

1) Sufjan Stevens- Come On Feel The Illinoise
Sure everyone loves Sufjan now, but who could resist?

2) Chad Vangaalan- Infiniheart
Bedroom pop masterwork from the streets of Cowtown, y'all!

3) Eisley- Room Noises
More addictive than crack! More hooks than a tacklebox! Cuter than...well...nevermind

4) Half-Handed Cloud- Thy Is a Word And Feet Need Lamps
Sufjan's compadre is more quirky. His songs are psychedellic Bible stories they never told you in Sunday School.

5) Autolux- Future Perfect
Comes across like some post-shoegaze act, or something that could have fit in on Tooth and Nail's late '90 roster. Think that, but cooler.

6) Bright Eyes- I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning
I'm generally not a Bright Eyes kinda guy, but this one won me over. I actually think he's a good songwriter now.

7) Low- The Great Destroyer
Low rocks out, finally. Me likey.

8) Wolf Parade- Apologies To The Queen Mary
It took me a while to warm up to this (maybe on account of the hype) but who could deny songs like "Shine A Light" and "This Hearts On Fire"?

9) Raveonettes- Pretty In Black
Apparently they're Sweedish, or something. Apparenly they're cool. Apparently Buddy Holly was a major influence on them, which is all good in my books.

10) Broken Social Scene- Broken Social Scene
I wasn't sure about putting this one on the list. I was hoping for another "I Forgot It In People". We got something less accessible and less scrutible. Still, some amazing moments.

Finally, my favorite single of the year (I'm not too ashamed to admit it): "All These Things That I've Done" by The Killers

In Other News:

Farewell our fine feline friend

Um...oh yes....anticipating a move to"The Drive" in the near future. Hopefully more on that soon.
_______________________________________________________

Tunes: Yer Favorites- The Tragically Hip

2005-12-31T00:39:00.000-08:00

'05 In View

You didn't think I'd finish the year without imposing my unassailable opinions on the public, did you?

Here's some movies that didn't completely suck:

1)Crash
This movie could have easily come across as moralistic if it didn't ring so true...

2)Wallace & Grommit and the Curse of the Were Rabbit
My only familiarity with this cartoon duo was a video my animator friend showed my years ago. Nonetheless I was drawn in by the gentle british humor, and lively visuals.

3)Walk The Line
To me, this felt a lot like last years biopic "Ray", but I felt this one was better, having more heart, and a stronger central relationship to anchor the story of the iconoclastic musician.

4)Sin City
I've never seen a movie quite like this. This movie pretty much exists to look amazing, and it certainly does.

5)Kung Fu Hustle
Without a doubt, watching this was the most fun I had in a theatre all year.

6)Broken Flowers
Another winning role by Bill Murray, who's been having one heckuva late-career streak. Charming and low-key.

7)Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
No one can make creepy quite as cool as Johnny Depp. Also, probably one of the better Tim Burton films in a while.

8)A History of Violence
Asks the important question "what evil lurks in the hearts of man?" without being condescending.

9)King Kong
If Jackson had cut out about 20 minutes of rediculous T-Rex chases and monster cockroaches he might have had a great film instead of a nearly great one.

10)The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe
The title is so long, I don't care to add any comment to it.

Soo...there you have it! Thoughts?

Stay tuned for musical goodness!

2005-11-18T13:31:00.000-08:00

Don't Call it A Comeback...I've Been Here For Years

Well, lookee who's back with another blog posting...

So the main point of this is to introduce you to some new friends (and to alleviate Leigh's angst):

my circa 1990 Japanese made, '69 thinline tele reissue + fender blues jr. amp. (thanks leigh and joe nanderson for helping me with my selections!)

I got the pair for under $1000, including tax. I was expecting to pay at least $500 more.

You are jealous, admit it.

now to find some effects...

___________________________________________________________________________
tunes: dusty springfield- dusty in memphis

2005-08-06T17:55:00.000-07:00

Say "What" again. I dare you.

So, yesterday as Ev and I are walking north across the intersection of Robson and Hornby, there's this black SUV beside us stopped at the light. I look through the window, and who do I spy at the wheel but Mr. Samuel L. Jackson.
True story.
He sees me seeing him, and he pulls up the sunglasses, being all cool.

Black dude.
Black SUV.
Black ballcap.
Black sunglasses.

The dude is just so bad-ass.
BAAAAAADAAAAASSSSSS!

I kinda wish I had said something.
I think there's actually a bit of a racial barrier, or something.
Like, if I were black I probably would have been all like "SAMMY J., MA MAAAAAN! WHAA'S GOIN' DOWN?!?!?! SHIIIIIIIIT!"

But being that I'm not, I totally can't say things like that.

I wish Ash was there. He probably would have said something totally awesome, like, "Mmmm, this is a TASTY burger!" or "Where is my super suit?", or "Mace Windu is gay".

Something like that? Meh.
________________________________________________________________________

More ten word movie reviews (for Ev):

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory -Burton+Depp+Dahl= As good as you would expect.

Dr. Strangelove, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb -Cold War paranoia satire-compelling. But why so highly regarded?

I guess that's about it for now.
Is anybody going to this tomorrow?

Oh yeah...
Here's another movie that looks really interesting. Gus Van Sant's new one "based loosely" on the last days of Kurt Cobain's life. (In the same way that "Elephant" was "based loosely" on the Columbine killings. What's next? Is Sant gonna make a movie about Muslim extremists crashing planes into twin towers "based loosely" on 9/11?).
At any rate, I think the movie looks interesting, and Micheal Pitt looks like he does a really good Kurt impersonation, and the movie site itself is really cool, so you should check it out.

2005-08-05T00:34:00.000-07:00

Wow, this movie seems to have come out of nowhere. Well I guess not, apparently it just won the Grand Prix of the Jury at Cannes. (Did Cannes just happen recently?) But, still I'm suprised I haven't heard about it...I mean it's a project involving one of my favorite actors (Bill Murray) and one of my favorite directors (Jim Jarmusch -Coffee and Cigarettes notwithstanding- Dead Man and Ghost Dog are still pretty frikkin' sweet).

So, this film is getting some pretty good reviews. I think it's been a while since I've been really excited about a movie, so it's nice to have something to look forward to seeing.

That's not to say that I haven't been seeing any good movies of late. In fact my visual cortex has been stimulated by a number of excellent ones of late, on both big and small screen. In order to conserve space I will review each in exactly 10 words. No more, no less. (some of these I had seen before...just happened to catch them on TV and whatnot.)

A Very Long Engagement- Kinda slow, but pretty. It's no Amelie, but oh well.

Born Into Brothels- Of prostitutes and thier photograhy-loving children. Sad but hopeful.

The Jerk- "I was born a poor black child." Steve Martin= genius

Top Gun- When Goose died... saddest movie moment ever. Ok, not really.

The Saddest Music in the World- Could very well be the weirdest movie I've ever seen.

Well, what else have I been up to?

Oh! I saw the fireworks three time (all of them so far this year) from three different angles (English Bay, Locarno Beach, and Kits Beach). They weren't really that interesting from any angle. For what it's worth, I guess i liked China's the best.

Summer Tunes:

Otis Redding- Various
The Rentals- Return of the Rentals
Iron & Wine- The Creek Drank the Cradle
Getz/Gilberto- Getz/Gilberto
Autolux- Future Perfect
Yo La Tengo- Prisoners of Love
Various '80s mixes

2005-07-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

The best laid plans 'o mice and men...

Today I went excursioning (is that a real word?) with the intent of picking myself up a copy of Come on feel the Illinoise by Sufjan Stevens (partly to alleviate my conscience of the illegal, pre-release version I've been listening to for the past two months).

I should have just got that album, and left well enough alone. But no, unable to resist the foul temptress called the used cd section, I also walk away with:

The Innocence Mission- Befriended
Death Cab for Cutie- We Have The Facts...
Ugly Cassanova- Sharpen Your Teeth

Will this addiction to purchasing music never end?

The funny thing is that I pretty much have all those albums already in some form or other (either copied, or as mp3s) Why would I buy what I already have? I dunno, I guess it's just nice to have the real thing.

Hmmm.

I haven't even recieved my first paycheque, and at this rate, it'll take two paycheques before my credit card is even payed off.
Lame. (Do I get paid in two week cycles? I don't even know yet.)

What else...oh, Ev and I watched Million Dollar Baby last night. I was pretty impressed. For some strange reason it reminded me of The Shawshank Redemption, one of my favorite movies. Not so much in the storyline, or characters, but more in the pacing and the feel... Oh, and the Morgan Freeman narration. Definitely the Morgan Freeman narration.

Shows...

See you at:

Fiest, etc.. Vancouver Folk Fest, Jericho Beach this weekend
(listening for free from outside the fence) ;)

IMR @ Mesa Luna on the 17th
frikkin Johnny Cran is playing too.

Sufjan Stevens @ Richards on the 24th

Jon Inc, Maplewood Lane, etc... @ Woodsong Festival, Orcas Island, Wa, 21st-24th
(actually I might not make it out to this, but I wish I could.)

Sigur Ros...sometime in Sept
(apparently I have a ticket)

One last thing...
A high five to whoever can tell me what in sweet Jiminy is wrong with this picture?

I was rather distraught when I saw it. "Shocked" and "dismayed" convey my reaction more accurately.
These are sad times my friends.

(But not really...in fact almost all aspects of my life are going quite swimmingly lately.)
_________________________________________________________________

Tunes:
The four aforementioned CDs

2005-06-27T15:55:00.000-07:00

It's funny how much life can change over the course of a single week.

Specifically my life in the past week.

I've always thought of myself as someone who takes his time with major decisions in life...gathering all the facts, knowing as much about a situation as possible before jumping into it. Now I find myself jumping without a net. Not knowing exactly where I'll land. I guess that's part of what it means to walk by faith.

New job, new relationship. It's all quite exciting, and overwhelming, yet...it feels strangely comfortable. I feel like I "belong", in more ways than one.

It's nice to find a place where I finally feel like I fit.

The next week is gonna be a blur, I'll bet. Starting the new job, weddings, Anvil, Ev in Vegas. I'll let you know how that all goes.

We at www.pacingthecage.blogspot.com are aware that there is a danger that this blog may soon deteriorate into something totally sappy and romantic and cheesy. The management realizes that this is not what the audience wishes to read, so we will make every effort to "keep it real". However, it must be said that Evelyn Chang is completely amazing. That is all. Thanks for your cooperation.
________________________________________________________________

Tunes:

The Velvet Underground- Gold
Half Handed Cloud- Thy Is A Word And Feet Need Lamps

2005-06-20T01:18:00.000-07:00

Tonight was superfantastic because I spent it with an amazing girl, and I like her a lot.

Aaaaaaaalso, I found out she likes me too, so, that's always a plus.

:)

Anyways, if you're interested I'll be playing a few tunes opening for my pal Sam Kim tomorrow night (well, technically tonight already- Monday June 20th) @ Cuppa Joes (W 4th and Alma). Say.....7pm.

Sorry for the short notice.

________________________________________________________________________________________

Tunes:
Hejira- Hejira (It really does sound amazing guys! I am totally impressed.)

2005-06-03T21:07:00.000-07:00

Heard two nights ago on the TV Listings channel:

"the only way to get closer to Randy Bachman is to buy the house next door"

Context:

an advertisment for some sort of intimate and interactive concert series

Reason that it's ironic:

my family happens to own the property and house next to Randy Bachman on Saltspring Island

Outcome:

no one's made an offer on the house, yet

But, really, who cares about Randy Bachman anymore, anyhow?
He's just a washed up rocker.
Speaking of washed up rockers. The Doors are playing in Vancouver this summer. Well, the newest incarnation of the doors anyhow. It's gonna feature Ian Astbury from the Cult in the place of 'ol Jim Morrison. I guess that guy from the Tea Party wasn't available, or whatever.
The only reason I think this would be great is that they could do a really rockin' medley of the most popular song from each of those bands...those songs being "Come On Baby Light My Fire", by the Doors, and "Fire Woman" by the Cult.

I can almost hear it now... "Try to set the night on fire......fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiire!"

That's about all I have for now. I rented The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou, and I think I'll go watch that now.

Lots of Changes happening...new job coming up...new phases in life...lots of people getting married, but more on that later, I suppose.
________________________________________________________

Been Listening to:

Illinois- Sufjan Stevens
Push Barman to Open Old Wounds- Belle & Sabastian

2005-05-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

How weird is it seeing four of your good friends playing in front of fourthousand-ish people?

Pretty weird.

In case you didn't get the memo, IMR opened for uk-christian-rockers delirious? last night at the Coliseum.

Weird.

They did a good job! I would have be shaking from the nerves.
It was strange hearing them sounding all big and echoey in that immense building, but I guess they aren't exactly "stadium rock".

Anyhow, here's what it looked like from the cheap seats:

The boys are on embarking on a two month whirlwind cross-Canada tour (and into the States too). They're en-route to Edmonton as I type. I'm gonna miss them for reals. Godspeed, you hosers.

In other news...

Hmmmm...

Oh! A picture I took is the new opening page for the JonInc website. Czech it out.

Aaaaand....Spring is sprung! And, it's actually sunny today. Go forth! Have barbecues and and campfires! I command thee!

_______________________________________________________________
Tunes:

David Crowder Band- Illuminate

2005-05-04T22:51:00.000-07:00

because I like taking pictures at shows (though my digicam sucks in low lighting) here's some recent ones...

the weakerthans @ richards last friday:

And here's Jon the next night opening for the Maplewood Lane cd release.

I'm starting to hate using the digital camera a bit less. I guess I'm getting used to using it, and understanding what it can do, as well as it's limitations.

Tunes:

Kevin Prosch- Palanquin

2005-04-28T21:38:00.000-07:00

wow...the posts are coming fast and furious these days in Rogerland...

Holly just called me from the U2 concert.
Picked up the phone, and all I could really hear was this distorted music, then we got cut off. I couldn't even tell you what song it was.
It was nice that she called me, though. It was nice to be thought of.

I thought I would really be regretting not being at the show right about now, but really, it's not a big deal.

I got to see a fabulous concert last Thursday in Seattle...well, technically, Ballard. More on that in a bit.

I went to see Over The Rhine. For those not in the know, Over The Rhine are amazing. Period. Here's some pics:

ok...first off here's Robyn looking hott in an empty lot near the venue. In Ballard even empty lots are cool.
Ballard is a rad little town just across the bridge from Seattle (technically, it's part of Seattle I guess). It's the kind of place I'd like to live in. Lots of old buildings, funky shops, and near the beach. It's perfect!

This is Karin and Lindford, the heart and soul of Over The Rhine. They're also married. Thier lastest album refects a recent period when their marriage almost broke up...and how they overcame that. Deep stuff, but their songs are always about the deeper stuff of life.

Here's Karin and Kim Taylor, who was also the opening act. She was great too, and her voice blends so marvelously with Karin's. It's just one of those sublime things.

A closer shot of Karin....yeah...she is gorgeous.

Lindford with the accordion. I need to learn me that instrument...and get mine repaired.

...our post-show "emo" shot.

It was good times for sure.
I recommend listening to some Over The Rhine right away. (there's some downloads on thier site)
I also recommend a visit to Ballard Washington.
I think I had as much fun just hanging out in Ballard as I did at the show.

What else do I recommend?
Going to the Maplewood Lane cd release show this Saturday @ the Railway Club with the Secret Three, and Members of Radiogram.

Oh yes...drink lots of water too...I recommend that. Can you believe this weather we're having?

One more thing: I just got on the guestlist for the Weakerthans/Constantines/Jon Anderson show! Whee!

thanks jon!

One more one more thing... (how could I forget?)
You must go to see Kung Fu Hustle
I wasn't planning to go see it, considering that I'm not generally a fan of Chinese movies. But I did. And it was RAD! I'd have to say that it was one of the most deliriously entertaining movies I'd ever seen. Roger Ebert said that it's like Jackie Chan and Buster Keaton meet Quentin Tarantino and Bugs Bunny. As rediculous as that sounds, it's probably not too far off the mark.

I guess my point is that the reviews for Hitchhiker's Guide are coming in, and it's sounding like a bit of a dud. So, may as well go see something cool. I'd recommend this one.
______________________________________________________

Life sounds better with:

Over The Rhine- Patience
Half-Handed Cloud- Thy is a Word and Feet Need Lamps
Eisley- Room Noises

2005-03-25T23:15:00.000-08:00

Pauly Shore is not dead, he's just really sad...

I realize that it's been a rediculously long time since I've posted, and for that I must apologize. I haven't felt like there's been much to say, I guess. So, I guess I'll go to my usual default and avoid saying anything significant about my life, about my thoughts and feelings or any of that, and try to compensate by putting up a bunch of mindless links and referencing all the cool scenester music I know. Maybe then you'll think I'm cool.

So, here goes...

Saw Damien Jurado last night @ Trinity, which was fantastic. He really is something special live. It's not often that you see someone with just an acoustic guitar who is able to shut up an entire room.

I have a ticket to the Low and Pedro the Lion show tomorrow, but I'm not sure that I want to go anymore. If you want it, let me know.

Someone you should definitely check out is Ari Neufeld. He plays regularly at the Royal Bar on Granville. He also works there. You should go see him because he's going to be a star, and you can say "I knew him back when...". Definitely check him out if you enjoy Damien Rice and the like.

Visit Joe Nanderson's blog. Say something nice too, 'cause he's nice, and he makes music that will make your cat purr. He's been galavanting around different parts of the known world, and has some lovely pictures to show for it.

Last but not least....sbemail,oh how I've neglected thee... I recommend "best thing" and "rock opera"...a lot.

Oh yeah, if you didn't know, the title of this post is a reference to a movie, one which I had the pleasure of viewing recently. One which is simultaneously the best and the worst movie ever. How is this possible, you ask? It's the mysterious paradox of life, my friend. I guess I just related to this movie, in that Pauly plays a washed up actor who hangs out with Charlie Sheen, and gets in bed with Hilton sisters.

Gratuitous celebrity cameos are surely a sign of the coming apocalypse.
___________________________________________________________________________

Sounds like....

Maplewood Lane- the golden skies
I got an advance copy of their upcoming ep (Thanks, Nate!). It sounds fantastic. They've gone for a bit of an edgier, fuller sound, and the production is topnotch.

Eisley- Room Noises
Hasn't left my cd player in a month, 24-7, Eisley 4Eva.

2005-02-19T15:02:00.000-08:00

He's the one who likes all our pretty songs

Today (and yesterday) on Much More Music an episode of Classic Albums was airing, and the album being featured was Nevermind by Nirvana. There much much discussion with Butch Vig about the actual production of the album which was facinating to see.

Watching it sort of re-sparked my appreciation of that album, and of Nirvana in general. I've always been a fan, but I distanced myself from the hype and adulation surrounding them. The decade since Kurt's death has seen me sell off some of their albums, and the ones I kept, I've hardly listened to. Now, in retrospect, I've come back to their music with a fresh admiration. I don't think that any album released since Nevermind has matched what it did in its particular idiom (lets call it...heavy/melodic). It still sounds remarkable after 14 years.

What else...

oh, you should check out this quiz to see where your politcal orientation lies. Even if you aren't really interested in politics you might find it quite interesting. I did.
By the way...I scored a -7 on the economic scale (collectivism) and a -2 on the authoritarian scale (libertarian).

Apparetly that puts me in the neighbourhood of Gandhi and Nelson Mandela's views, and puts me almost diametrically opposed to those of George Bush and Margaret Thatcher.

I don't suppose this test could be 100% accurate, but it's interesting none-the-less. If you take the test, and are comfortable sharing, let us know what you got...I'd be interested to know.

______________________________________________________________________

Been Listening to:

Nirvana - Nevermind

K-OS - Joyful Rebellion (i like this album and that title alot... I like the idea of "joyful rebellion". It sounds like an ideology I could get behind...almost...christian?)

2005-02-02T20:02:00.000-08:00

love/hate

what I'm loving this week:

-I'm Wide Awake It's Morning by Bright Eyes

-Wings of Desire by Wim Wenders

-Leon: The Professional by Luc Besson

-the "Irish Invasion" (concerts by U2 and the Frames coming up)

-the teachings of Rob Bell

-"24" (Tony Almeda saves the day! WOOT!)

what I'm hating this week:

-how the floor tickets for U2 will sell out in moments, and the seated tickets will go for $95-$140

-Headphones C'mon Bazano! Get it together!

Also, for fun, I'm reading that lovable cartoon duo, Calvin and Hobbes:

Tunes: Poison by Bell Biv Devo don't be hatin'

2005-01-25T20:06:00.000-08:00

No, my family were not mobsters.

2005-01-02T21:03:00.000-08:00

Last of the Last Things...

1. Sufjan Stevens-Seven Swans
Me likey...more banjo please!

2. Brian Wilson-Smile
I don't know whether this album belongs to 2004 or 1967. Either way it makes me smile.

3. The Arcade Fire-Funeral
Montreal is the new...something. Amazing live show. Arcade Fire puts the fun in Funeral.

4.Stars-Set Yourself on Fire
Montreal is the new...something. Amazing live show. Stars put the fun in setting yourself on fire.

5.Wilco- A Ghost is Born
A challenging album filled with brilliant pop songs.

6.Hayden-Elk Lake Serenade
His most enjoyable album since Everything I Long For.

7.Joanna Newsom-Milk Eyed Mender
Queen of the Faeries! Queen of the Harpies!

8.Feist-Let It Die
The saddest part of a broken heart is getting to the end of this lovely album. Montreal again, just for the record.

9.The Streets-A Grand Don't Come For Free
Real hip-hop, East London style.

10.Cran-Consider it Pure Joy
Who is this kid? Somebody get him a record contract. Seriously.

See other lists by various people of discerning taste.

2004-12-29T23:42:00.000-08:00

Choice Flicks of Aught-Four

1. Garden State
I'd never even heard of Zach Braff before this year, but the dude's got skills, and Natalie Portman is mega adorable. This movie just hit all the right buttons for me.

2. Kill Bill Vol 2
A satisfying conclusion to a masterclass in genre referencing and gratuitous violence. I love it.

3. Kontroll
Hopefully this film about a group a ticket agents in the Budapest subway system will see a wider release in '05.

4. Before Sunset
Who knew that a film consisting almost entirely of dialogue between two people could be so damn engaging? Ok, the Parisian setting helped too.

5. Napoleon Dynamite
Mormons can make hip, ironic movies too.

6. The Passion of the Christ
Beautifully filmed, if not a little over the top with the violence. Mel Gibson shows himself to be an artist of some depth.

7. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Maybe verging on too clever for it's own good, but still very impressive.

8. Shaun of the Dead
I especially liked all the pop-music reference jokes in it. Brits are just funnier than the rest of us.

9. The Motorcycle Diaries
Not so much a story of a political hero as a good coming-of-age/road movie. Beautiful scenery.

10. Saved
Really good satire. Try watching it back to back with "The Passion" for a thought-provoking night of religious-themed film. That might be interesting. Hmmmm...maybe that's a bad idea.

2004-12-27T22:39:00.000-08:00

'Tis the Season for Top Tens

This is the time of year when we take account of the past twelve months, codifying and listing those people, events and things that have mattered to us in the past year, in an attempt to stitch together some order out of apparent chaos.

Here then is the first of several lists which I plan on posting over the next few days.

Ten Favorite Concerts of 2004

1. (tie) Arcade Fire (Dec 14, Mesa Luna) / Pixies (April 22, Commodore)
Both of these shows had me on the verge of tears and laughter for various reasons. For the Pixies, it was because I couldn't handle the fact that I was actually hearing "Hey" performed live. For the Arcade Fire, it was because of the overload of sheer energy, beauty, and passion before me on stage.

3. Arrested Development/Grandmaster Flash (Feb. 23rd, Atlantis)
A giant old-school love fest. Dancing all night, and one of the funnest shows I've ever been to.

4. Sufjan Stevens with Denison Witmer and Joanna Newsom (July 28, Neumos)
Three outstanding and rare talents, each with a unique voice and presence. Oh man!

5. Cardigans w/ Jonathan Rice (May 20th, Neumos)
"And you're the storm that I believe in". The Cardigans are really great live. Jonathan Rice was a nice discovery too.

6. Tom Waits (Oct 15, Orpheum)
Ok, so the guy is a legend, which automatically gets this show on the the list. It would have ranked higher if not for technical difficulties, and Tom sticking mostly to his new album. On the other hand, guitarist Marc Ribot was totally amazing. Wow.

7. Wilco w/ A.C. Newman(Nov 9, Orpheum)
A.C. Newman opened with a capable set, and Wilco followed with their more-than-capable show. Maybe not the best I've seen them, but they're still one of the best live bands around. The picture show displayed as background was a very nice touch too.

8."Singers Roundhouse" feat. Kevin Kane, Steven Drake, Tal Bachman, and Jon Anderson w/Mark Berube (May 17th, Railway)
Nothing really spectacular about this show, just four singer/songwriters playing cover songs. It was just really laid-back, fun, and enjoyable...more shows should be like that.

9. the Winks (The Morrisey, Sept ?, New Music West)
Why? Because at various points they evoked Bjork and Sonic Youth, and they did it using cello, mandolin, drums, and baritone sax.

10. In Medias Res (Various)
At any given moment, when they're in top form, they are the one of the best local acts. (I'm not just saying that 'cause I know them.)

What shows would have been on your list?

2004-12-24T14:27:00.000-08:00

t'was the night before christmas

The last few days have really sucked. I've been sick...

yeah.

In response to my affliction, for the first time ever I tried Buckley's Cough Syrop. I must tell you that BUCKLEY'S COUGH SYRUP TASTES LIKE HERPES.* It does, however, clear your throat like 3 shots of whiskey.

I also downed some of the new apple cinnamon flavored Neo Citron, which is a big improvement on their orginal "lemon" flavour, which tastes vaguely like piss.**

On that note, Merry Christmas everyone, and have a "frank and productive holiday".***

*editorial disclaimer: I don't actually know what herpes tastes like. I was just trying to think of something really vile to compare it to.
**editorial disclaimer: I don't recall ever tasting piss, intentionally or otherwise. but I actually do think the orginal Neo Citron does taste vaguely like piss.
***a la Principal Seymour Skinner

2004-12-15T13:47:00.000-08:00
Is it a dream? Is it a lie?

I'm still reeling from the awesomeness that was the Arcade Fire last night at Mesa Luna.

It was amazingpassionaterediculoustheatricalintenseemotionalenergetictranscendentunforgetable.

At various points in the show I wanted to cheerscreamlaughcryjumpoffabuildinghavesex. Maybe all at once.

I don't know that I've ever seen such absolute commitment to the music, or the moment in a band. They played and sang every note as if their lives depended on it. And that, ladies and gentlemen, makes for an inspiring and unbelievable show. It's almost the kind that makes you go "what's the point?" to ever performing or going to a show again.

I probably shouldn't even go to a show for a while...just because anything would be a letdown after this. (Though I'll probably go to the IMR show on friday.)

Shame on those of you that didn't want to come.

2004-12-08T01:46:00.000-08:00
Obligatory Pre-Christmas Post

Last week the yuletide spirit hit me like a tonne of bricks, so I began work on my long-planned but never initiated compilation of the greatest christmas music ever.

Yes kids. It's true. I've sorted through all the trash and tripe that recording artists throw at us during the holiday season, and have distilled that vast category into a managable 80 minutes of aural holiday bliss. I made an attempt to bring togther the time-tested classics, as well as some new stuff, and put it into a package that would ebb and flow cohesively.

Here's the results:

01 Christmas (Baby Please Come Home ) - U2
02 Santa Bring My Baby Back to Me - Elvis Presley
03 Christmas in Hollis - Run DMC
04 Little Saint Nick - The Beach Boys
05 The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole
06 Blue Christmas - Bright Eyes
07 Maybe this Christmas - Ron Sexsmith
08 O Tannenbaum - Vince Guaraldi Trio
09 Fairytale of New York - The Pogues
10 Christmas at the Zoo - The Flaming Lips
11 Chipmunks Song - Alvin and the Chipmunks
12 Here Comes Santa Claus - Elvis Presley
13 I'll Be Home For Christmas - The Beach Boys
14 Just Like Christmas - Low
15 That Was the Worst Christmas Ever! - Sufjan Stevens
16 Do They Know It's Christmas - Band Aid
17 White Christmas - Bing Crosby
18 Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth - Bing Crosby & David Bowie
19 What Child is This - Vince Guaraldi Trio
20 O Little Town of Bethlehem - Bruce Cockburn
21 I Believe In Father Christmas - Greg Lake
22 I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day - Pedro the Lion
23 Merry Xmas (War is Over) - John Lennon
24 7:00 News/ Silent Night - Simon & Garfunkel
25 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen- Simon & Garfunkel
26 Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Coldplay
27 Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - Death Cab For Cutie

There you have the 27 tracks in all its glory.
If you're hooked into technology like file-sharing and cd burning, you yourself can make...yourself this cd too and enjoy this music with me.
But you probably won't.
So, just take my word for it...it's amazing.
_________________________________________________

Tunes:

The Ultimate Christmas mix.

2004-11-24T16:47:00.000-08:00
stop all your illin'

i update like a villain

yeah, i'm kickin out blog

like my name was boss hog

The weather has been a bit of a downer lately. For some reason, I think all the rain and clouds has been making me sleepy.
Oh well. Nothing lasts forever, even cold november rain.

But...doesn't it make you wish for the summer?

Oh man. I wish I could be up at an Anvil Camp right now.

The majestic scenery...

The "wildlife"...

The inspiring speakers...

The hott girls...

________________________________________________________

In other news: George Strombolopopanagopolous is leaving Much Music.

I now officially have no reason to ever watch that channel again.

_______________________________________________________

Tunes:

U2- How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb
Ben Harper and the Blind Boys of Alabama- There will be a Light
Ari Neufeld- Old Man Songs...
Guns and Roses- November Rain

2004-11-09T15:21:00.000-08:00
...now, your daddy don't mind

Last night I was hanging out with some friends, and something really cool happened.

We were all just lounging around, and I randomly started singing a song (which I do from time to time).
The song I started singing was "Stay". You know the one....from the early '60s. It was featured in Dirty Dancing.

"Stay just a little bit longer
Please, please, please, please
Tell me you're going to..."

Well, as soon as I started to sing, everyone else started singing along. We just gave 'er. It was amazing. It's like every person knew thier parts. We sang harmonies, even hitting the high falsetto parts perfectly. Suddenly, we all jumped up from our chairs and couches, and started dancing, moving together as one, swaying together, snapping our fingers and tapping our feet to the beat. I was the kind of wonderful, magical moment that only happens in a broadway play, or some old musical. Serously it could have been a lost scene from "Grease" or something.

...then I woke up.
Sometimes I weird myself out.

*ahem*

So, anyone seen the preview for the upcoming Star Wars yet? It looks dark and...mysterious. I can't say I'm a fan of Episodes 1 and 2, but this one looks more promising. What do you think?

what else...

I think I had something else to say...but I forget.

One last thing.... I'm not quite sure what to make of this monkey. A desecration of history? A fresh interpretation of a classic?

I guess it's Frank's song, so he can do whatever he wants to with it. But..I dunno. It just seems weird.

2004-11-08T01:54:00.000-08:00

"Oak Street South Through a Streaky Windshield"

_______________________________________

Muse:

Ari Neufeld- old man songs by a boy (for a girl)

2004-11-05T23:30:00.000-08:00
Music Geek Alert!

So I wonder if anyone out there loves me enough to buy me this for Christmas...

hmmm... I didn't think so.

Oh well.

What else....

SHOWS SHOWS SHOWS!!!!

Hinterland! Hejira! the Februarys! Tomorrow! 7pm! the Buffalo Room!

Next week, Wilco and A.C. Newman (New Pornographers) Tuesday at the Orpheum.
I'm looking forward to that. Wilco is one of my favorite live bands...Rock!

Also next week is New Music West, and with it a plethora of cool shows.

I could probably fill my week with friend's bands, and cool local acts. I don't know if I'll find any time to check out any new bands!!!

Anyhow these are the shows I hope to check out:

Wednesday: Bella- 8 pm @ the Cellar; the Hits- 9pm @ the Brickyard
Thursday: Hejira- 8:15pm @ the Morrisey; Endearing Showcase (Jon Inc, Hinterland, etc...) 9:30 @ the Media Club
Friday: not too sure...maybe "Boompa" (My Project: Blue, The Salteens, etc...) @ the Penthouse, or Mable Index and Lowest of the Low @ Richards
Saturday: P:ano (7:15) and Stars (8:45) @ Richards (Stars cd release); In Medias Res 9:30pm @ The Buffalo Club (Cazart! showcase)

I'm probably gonna get a wristband. $20 to get into all of these. Not too shabby. (of course, all you band types get the wristband for free...bastards)
You should get one too, then we can go rock out all week! Wheee!

Let me know of any other bands I should be checking out.

To tide you over before all the rocking starts you should check this out. For serious.

Leonard Nimoy rocks my socks.

Best thing

ever.

2004-11-02T01:35:00.001-08:00
and all of a sudden, a song written over 50 years ago will seem to have particular relevance...

Let's have Christ our President
Let us have him for our king
Cast your vote for the Carpenter
That they call the Nazarene

The only way
We could ever beat
These crooked politician men
Is to cast the moneychangers
Out of the temple
Put the Carpenter in

Oh it's Jesus Christ our President
God above our king
With a job and pension for young and old
We will make hallelujah ring

Every year we waste enough
To feed the ones who starve
We build our civilization up
And we shoot it down with wars

But with the Carpenter
On the seat
Way up in the capitol town
The USA would be on the way
Prosperity bound

-Woody Guthrie (circa 1940's?)

God Bless you today, America. So much depends on the choices you make.

________________________________
Soundtrack:

Billy Bragg & Wilco- Mermaid Avenue

Ray Charles- various

100_1339

2004-10-27T16:18:00.000-07:00
This is my new musical obsession:

100_1339
Originally uploaded by obscurantist.

I want to play polka like Weird Al.

2004-10-25T16:46:00.000-07:00
Who's the genius?

...not me.

Well, my bad luck with the car this past week is either stupidity, or...bad luck.

On Monday night...driving home from Surrey, I stopped in at a gas station for some...gas. I must have been distracted, because it was only after driving off that I noticed that the gas door was ajar, and after pulling over I noticed that I had fogotten to replace the gas cap (I had left it on the roof of the car).
Soo... to make a story short, by the time I had returned to find the cap (about one minute after I left) I found it all right. I found it had been run over and destroyed. D'oh!

On Friday night...after watching Shaun of the Dead at the Clova (a delightful movie. Go. GO! See it!) I was off to my car to head home. But upon approaching the car, and clicking my alarm remote, I found that the remote was not turning off the alarm. I tried everything I could think of. I managed to get inside the car...but with the alarm on, the ignition was disengaged, and I could not start the car. It turns out it was just a dead remote battery...which I should have taken care of earlier...because I knew it had been acting sketchy before.
Crap.

Mad thanks and props to Stever Willows for rescuing poor stranded me from the inhospitable wilds of Cloverdale.
Man, no offence to anyone that likes it there, but that place sucks.
On my journeys to the pay phone that miserable, cold, night I passed this group of girls...they must have been about 14.
They were obviously drunk...they kept shouting "You like sex?", and they giggled.
On my way back from the telephone one girl said "I peed myself, want to see?!!". She proceeded to lay on the sidewalk and show off the dark, wet patch on the crotch on her jeans.
"Your mother must be proud..." was all I could think of saying.

Sooo sad.

On a brighter note: Tim Rich's birthday party was mad fun...

I love dancing!

Also...for those who weren't watching SNL this week...THIS is pretty frikkin' great.

Soo....Halloween is this weekend. I've got the costume...who's got the party?
_______________________________________________

Tunes:

Elliott Smith- From A Basement on a Hill
Wilco- A Ghost is Born

2004-10-19T22:00:00.000-07:00
I'm sick.

Too many late nights standing around in the cold and damp.

...And it's all your fault.

__________________________________

muse sick

The Arcade Fire- Funeral

Julie Dorion- Desormais/Loneliest In The Morning (Thanks, Ash.)

2004-10-16T16:26:00.000-07:00
An Evening With Tom Waits

About a year ago I was thinking about all the concerts I've been to, and how blessed I've been to be able to see most of my favorite bands in a live setting. I was also thinking about those I still really needed to see. Near the top of that list were both the Pixies, and Tom Waits. I got to see the Pixies in the spring, and last night I got to see Tom Waits.

I don't know if I can adequately describe the experience of seeing Tom Waits live, but as soon as Waits' spectral and herky-jerky figure appeared on stage, I knew we were in for something special.

Here's the setlist, for those who are interested in that sort of thing:

***
Jockey Full of Bourbon
Make It Rain
Heartattack & Vine
All Stripped Down
Top of the Hill
Sins of My Father
Hoist That Rag
Temptation
Dead and Lovely
Table Top Joe
Part You Throw Away
Metropolitan Glide
How's It Gonna End
Hang Down Your Head
Day After Tomorrow
Murder in the Red Barn
Kommeniezuspadt

Encore 1
House Where Nobody Lives (on piano)
Some Lucky Day (on piano)

Encore 2
16 Shells

***

The word on the web is that this was not one of Waits' better shows. I could see how that might be said. He was having technical difficulties with his vocal looping effects, which threw a damper on several songs where that would have played a significant role.

Also, I didn't get to hear many of the songs I was hoping to hear.

NEVERTHELESS, as one who is new to the experience of seeing Tom Waits live, I can say that it was one of the most remarkable shows I've ever seen. Something about his personality, music, and performance evokes a bygone era. He seems as far removed from the world of MTV as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, or any grizzled old bluesman who's lineage I see Waits decending from.
Truly, Waits seems to possess an unearthly* quality. Even the banter of stories and anecdotes that Tom shares from the stage seem to emerge from some parallel, but undeniably weird and entertaining, universe.

Some fun facts that Tom shared with us:

-In Nothern Australia, they've discovered a worm that measures 12 ft. long and is the diameter of a pop can.

"What'er you gonna catch with that?"

-Male spiders strum a "chord" on their web, which attracts the female.

"If you think about it, we kind of do the same thing."

One of the hilights of the show was watching Mark Ribot, Tom's guitarist. He was phenomenal, like some avant-guard, edgy version of Django Reinhardt. He was given solo spots on many of the songs, and it was such a kick to hear him do all kinds of spidery scales, and move from blues licks to jazz structures, and everything in between. He even played french horn on one song! Other than Tom himself, Mark was certainly the most impressive part of the show.

I guess that's all I have to say about that...other than to share this lyric that stuck me for the first time listening to Tom sing it last night:

So if you find someone
Someone to have, someone to hold
Don't trade it for silver
Don't trade it for gold
I have all of life's treasures
and they are fine and they are good
They remind me that houses
Are just made of wood
What makes a house grand
Ain't the roof or the doors
If there's love in a house
It's a palace for sure
Without love...
It ain't nothin but a house
A house where nobody lives

-A House Where Nobody Lives

Cliche? Yes. But when Tom Waits sings it, he makes you realize it's true.

I suppose that's the thing about Tom: AUTHENTICITY. Whether it's sincere, or merely theatrical, there's a ring of truth about Tom.
He's the salesman that can sell you the whole package before you have the chance to doubt him.

Be well my friends...and listen to music that matters.

Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed thier hotmail account space has increased to 250MB? That was a pleasant surprise

2004-10-10T15:14:00.000-07:00
Thanksgiving day
Thanksgiving day
Today is
Thanksgiving daaaaaaay

Thanks, Joel, for reminding us.

2004-10-07T18:26:00.000-07:00
25880, Losers!

2004-10-05T01:07:00.000-07:00
I'd seen him despondent
A few times as of late
Sometimes the answer that love gives
Is the hardest one to take
I know he was prone to paint
The voice of his own fear
So Vincent he picked up the blade
And he put it to his ear

Look at yourself in the mirror
You're all rumpled red stubbled and gaunt
You walk a dead end path in a dry corn field
And now this morose response:
"Your princess she don't wanna see you
No your princess she don't wanna hear"
So Vincent he picked up the blade
And he put it to his ear

Now look if you're gonna come around here
And say those sort of things
You gotta take a few on the chin
You talking about love and all that stuff
You better bring your thickest skin
Sometimes you can't please everyone
Sometimes you can't please anyone at all
You sew your heart onto your sleeve
And wait for the axe to fall

You there with the paint box
You there with paper and pen
Me, I've got this blunt instrument
I'm gonna play on 'til the end
And you know you come with empty hands
Or you don't come at all
You deal your best hand out in the marketplace
And let the chips fall

The package it comes wrapped up
There is a lesson here
Vincent he picked up the blade
And he put it to his ear

Now look, if you're gonna come around here
And say those sort of things
You gotta take a few on the chin
Yeah you're talking about sin and redemption
Well you better wear your thickest skin
Sometimes you can't please everyone
Sometimes you can't please anyone at all
Sew your heart onto your sleeve
And wait for the axe to fall

-Bill Mallonee

2004-09-18T15:34:00.000-07:00
Last night was IMR @ the media club (apologies for not posting the show on here, or any other show by any other bands that I might know, and on that note go see Hinterland, Windows '78, and Jonathan Inc. @ the Pic Pub next Saturday. Good? Good.) I really like their new one. It's kinda....I dunno, I can't explan, it's just good. Go see them play it sometime and you'll understand.

In the meantime, you can listen to an instrumental demo of thier old chesnut The Bus Song here
Man, I love this song.

After the show (...like three in the morning) I went with the boys (3/4 of IMR, 3/4 of Hejira, and Leigh) to the #9. We hadn't done that for a while, and it was alot of fun. Everyone was freaking out because the #9 now has a white employee! A waitress/hostess/server something? I dunno. It didn't look like she was doing too much. Maybe they just hired her for shock value. Racial equity? Token white girl? We didn't much care, we were just amazed.

Got home about 5:30 am, but it's all good. Mad props to early morning MSG.

What else?

Um Rock Garden starts tomorrow. w00t!

Um...I was watching Home Alone 3 a short while ago on TV. That wouldn't be of much interest to anyone, I suppose, except Scarlett Johanson plays the sister in it!
w00t!

ok I guess that's all I have to say, other than the fact that my every waking moment has been consumed by this.
I'm serious....I can't stop. Somebody help me....please?

2004-09-09T15:10:00.000-07:00
What's up cats?

The real deal is coming to town...

That Tom Waits is a bad mutha...

"Shut yo mouth!"

I'm just talkin' 'bout Tom Waits!

"Then I can dig it!"

He plays on October 15th at the Orpheum.
Tickets on sale Monday at 10am.
Expensive.
Sell your firstborn.

Other shows coming up:

Joel Willoughby cd release w/ Jon Anderson & Chris Janzen
7:30, Friday Sept. 10th @ St. Matthew's Anglican Church, Abbotsford

Matt Sharp (ex-Weezer)
Sept 24 @ the Media Club

Snow Patrol plus opening band Eisley!!!!
Sept 28 @ Richards

Interpol
Oct 23 @ the Commodore

Hayden
Oct 26th @ the Vogue

Wilco
Nov 9th @ the Orpheum

Death Cab for Cutie
Nov. 12 @ the Commodore

Damn my broke ass. I need income post-haste.
Thank God for credit cards!

2004-09-03T15:22:00.000-07:00
Hey, I'm back from camp!

I think that all in all, camp was really, really, really, really....really good.

Some facts pertaining to camp:

-I drank coffee every day
-people at camp are some of the coolest people I know
-I *heart* cops
-stay away from the cherry blasters, they're bad news
-it's hard to look or feel silly when Joel Rich is dancing next to you
-I wish I could be like Pete Stephenson...but not really. Maybe I just want a dog like Dozer.
-God shows up in unexpected ways, and unexpected times
-the kids are alright

_____________________________________________

I got home, and checked my email (internet was one of the few things that I missed while at camp). I found in my inbox invitations to no less than four parties/gatherings/shindigs/get-togethers this weekend (not including the post-camp party tonight that I just found out about).
Wow, I feel so popular/cool all of a sudden. Either that, or people just decided to save all their parties until this final long weekend of the summer. At any rate, this weekend looks like it'll be jam packed with fun...too bad I have a paper to write that's due on Tuesday. Crap.

Why do I always leave work 'til the last minute?

2004-08-27T15:31:00.000-07:00
I *heart* Tom Waits

Last night was dinner, a movie (Magnolia again...and it still blows me away), a little wine, good conversation. Definite good times.

I highly recommend it!

I don't, however, recommend going home at 4 in the morning on a friday when you have to be awake at the same time on saturday for a full week of camp.

I might regret this when I find that my sleep pattern is totally screwed.

But nah, it was worth it, and camp is gonna be awesome. (Anvil Island, for those that don't know)

I'm not gonna shave all week. It's gonna rule!
___________________________________

I recently made a Tom Waits mix for a friend. Doing so has brought me back to his wierd/wonderful world, and renewed my appreciation for Waits' music... I've been listening to him pretty much non-stop. Also, Ash made me a copy of Mule Variations. Yay!

I was trying to think of a witty title for said compilation..these are some I came up with:

I Look Good Without A Shirt: An Introduction to Tom Waits
Shining Like a New Dime: The Songs of Tom Waits
Hotels and Whiskey and Sad Luck Dames: The World of Tom Waits
or
The German Dwarf Dances With The Butcher's Son: The Lunacy of Tom Waits

They're all based on lyrics from the mix, but I didn't end up using them...

I don't know what the point of mentioning all of this is. Just that I really dig Tom Waits right now.

Which title do you think would have been the best though?

2004-08-20T14:36:00.000-07:00
New Wes Anderson movie out soon!!!!

Well, not 'til December, actually. But in the meantime you can watch the trailer here.

It's called The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, and it has all the earmarks of classic Wes Anderson: rad actors (Bill "ghostbustin' ass" Murray, Owen Wilson, Kate Blanchett), and a totally quirky feel.

I love Wes Anderson's films...Rushmore, The Royal Tennenbaums....so great! Bottle Rocket was sorta alright too.

I like that other Anderson alot too...Paul Thomas (Magnolia, Punch Drunk Love).

Along with Tarantino, they make up the trifecta of great current American filmmakers...at least in my mind.

Ok, I know December is a long ways off, and I know that the trailer doesn't give too much of an indication, but I'm really hoping that The Life Aquatic is gonna be a great movie. There's really only one movie I've seen this year that I've been really excited about, and that's Garden State. I'm looking forward to see some more gooders, or my end of the year list might be kind of lacking.

*edit*

Oh, this movie looks amazing too. And it's coming out soon (like, next week?), so let's go see it!

2004-08-17T20:19:00.000-07:00
So, you watched G.I. Joe when you were a kid, right?
Loved it, right?

Well if you love those all-american boys in tight camo, you need to go here to check out some clips from that classic show.

Watch all of them, it's SO worth it.

Somehow it's just so much better than I remember as a kid.

On a completely unrelated thought:

Garden State = Best Movie Ever

2004-08-13T13:54:00.000-07:00
Last night more Wonder Years dvd goodness.

Seriously, this show rules!

...and check out all the sweet Chuck Taylor action it has going on!

Revelations I've had about the Wonder Years:
-Kevin Arnold is a spineless twerp
-Winnie Cooper is boring, and has no personality
-Why did I relate to these characters so much when I was young?
-uh...family is important!

Tonight I think I'm gonna be seeing this movie.

yeah. I'm looking foreward to that.

Oh yeah....today is Friday the 13th, so, you know what that means...

____________________________________________________

Tunes:

Can't get enough Elliott Smith these days.

2004-08-08T18:11:00.000-07:00
let's say there's this movie that I watched with some good folks last night.

let's say it's probably one of the worst movies I've ever seen.
let's say that for anyone with an appreciation for filmmaking, this movie was entirely cringe-worthy.
let's say the budget was probably about $3...and that's pushing it.
let's say the editing, voice dubbing, picture/sound quality/transfer were soooo brutal, it was actually kind of funny.
let's say that I was prepared to label this movie as a complete waste of time, apart from some impressive fight sequnces, and some decent Jackie Chanesque comedy.

BUT!
let's say that the movie was completely redeemed in the last ten seconds of the film.
I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but let's say the last few seconds of the movie had me rolling on the floor almost peeing in hysterical laughter...for about ten minutes.
let's say that everyone there probably thought I was a complete idiot.

let's say...

________________________________________________________________

Soundtrack: The Hits- Overnight Success

(PS- John Meas, if you still read this blog, you should totally check this movie out, if you haven't already. I think you'd dig it.)

2004-08-03T19:32:00.000-07:00
And I have felt
A presence that disturbs me with the joy
Of elevated thoughts; a sense sublime
Of something far more deeply interfused,
Whose dwelling is the light of setting suns,
And the round ocean and the living air,
And the blue sky, and in the mind of man:
A motion and a spirit, that impels
All thinking things, all objects of all thought,
And rolls through all things.

-William Wordsworth
Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey

2004-07-31T14:41:00.000-07:00

Winter Legs Give Me Heart Attacks

At the last minute, I decided to go to Pedro the Lion last night. I'm glad I did, because it was a really decent show.
I hooked up Ash and Matt H. We missed the opening acts, and got there just in time for Pedro. The energy and playing weren't anything special, but the set was great. Highlights included a wide variety of "old school" material including at least four off of It's hard to find a friend. It was just so rad to hear "Big Trucks" (dance version!), "When They Really Get To Know You They Will Run", and a really cool cover of Radiohead's "Let Down". He ended with "Secret of The Easy Yoke", which was trancendant.
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Originally uploaded by obscurantist.

2004-07-31T14:31:00.000-07:00

Bazano started that whole bearded-indie-troubadour thing.
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Originally uploaded by obscurantist.

prayer of the moment: "If this is only a test I hope that I'm passing, 'cause I'm losing sleep...and I still want to trust You"

peace, be still

Yesterday in Photos

2004-07-29T18:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday in Photos

So, I've just got some image-hosting happening, so, I'll take this oppertunity to journal yesterday's events via pictures. Ain't that exciting?

Yesterday I went with Robyn to Seattle for a concert. We went a bit early, so we got to hang out for a while, walk around, and admire some of the buildings and architecture, among other things.
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Originally uploaded by obscurantist.

2004-07-29T18:05:00.001-07:00

So, first up was denison witmer, who is just so rad. Words and music, so simple, yet profound. There's just a richness to his voice and guitar playing that comes across even better live.
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Originally uploaded by obscurantist.

2004-07-29T18:05:00.000-07:00

here's another one.
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Originally uploaded by obscurantist.

2004-07-29T18:01:00.000-07:00

denison witmer: turn on the bright lights
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Originally uploaded by obscurantist.

2004-07-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

Sufjan Stevens was the headliner for the evening. He brought a six-piece band called the "Michigan Millitia", who all wore matching boyscout looking uniforms. That was fun. (You can see denison witmer on the bass behind sufjan.) The "theme" of the show was "a road trip through Michigan". They played a number of songs off of that wonderful album, and often made references to places in Michigan on a map which you can see a bit of on the right side of the photo. Lots of interesting musical variety: drums, bass, rhodes, guitar, xylophone, trombone, trumpet, and of course...
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Originally uploaded by obscurantist.

2004-07-29T17:56:00.000-07:00

Sufjan played his lovely banjo for us.
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Originally uploaded by obscurantist.

2004-07-29T17:54:00.000-07:00

Here's Robyn and I kickin' it at Neumos. She's one of the coolest people ever, can you tell?
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Originally uploaded by obscurantist.

2004-07-28T14:19:00.000-07:00
Last night was Wonder Years dvd viewing at Chonger's.

If you read my March 25th post, you'll see what a big frikkin' deal this is for me.

Such a good show, and so classic!!!

Well, just waiting for a phonecall then it's off to Seattle to see Sufjan Stevens and Denison Witmer.

I'm super stoked!
I think it's gonna be a good time.

___________________________________________________________

Listening:

Dance to The Music- Sly & the Family Stone

Sooo, anyone going to Pedro on Friday? Let me know.

2004-07-25T19:20:00.000-07:00
Insomniac

Thank God that the weather has changed for the cooler.

I haven't been sleeping well lately.
That might have to do with the heat, or other things...I dunno.

So, I haven't been getting much sleep, but strangely, I've been feeling more energetic, and less sleepy. I think that might be because I've been forcing myself to get regular exercise.
Yes, a 'lil workout routine I've develloped for myself.
To get in shape...a more specific shape, that is.

Heh.

But I'm feeling more energetic, so I guess that's a good start.

Ok...off to a meeting for camp 9 (which I may or may not go to), and then, hopefully, to the IMR show.

Should be good times.

____________________________________________________________________

Tunes:

The most recent of Steve Watts' mix cds. (diggin' it dude!)

Kevin Prosch- Palanquin

aaaaand....as I type, Hungry Heart by Springsteen is playing on the 'ol iTunes

2004-07-09T19:37:00.000-07:00
So, today I saw a squirrel use a crosswalk.

No joke.

I was driving to class this morning, and I saw the van in front of me slowing down at the crosswalk.

I didn't notice why the van was stopping, but then I saw a small, dark figure moving across the street.

It was a squirrel. But this squirrel didn't act like a regular squirrel. Nosiree. It moved across the painted lines at a leisurely, deliberate pace. It didn't scurry across the road in a normal squirrely fashion. It's like it KNEW how to use a crosswalk, and that the van would have to stop and wait for it to pass.

It was....wierd.

I think the critters are super-intelligent, and planning to take over the world.

_____________________________________________________________

aural fixation:

Sufjan Stevens- Michigan

2004-06-27T21:29:00.000-07:00
Such Great Heights

So, I've been painting the trim around the roof of my house. The procedure involves getting onto the roof, getting to the edge, hanging precariously over the void, reaching down, and rolling stain onto wood.
It's not that bad, but it gets you thinking that there isn't a whole lot to hold you back from a 25 ft tumble.
It makes you appreciate the security of a ground-bound life, but you do get used to it after a while.

We used to have pigeons that lived on the roof. They made a racket, and their crap was everywhere. I hadn't seen them in a while though, and my dad said that some crows had bullied the pigeons out of there.

Good riddence.

I found a small hole in the roof. Near the side, beside the chimney. It's not too big a hole, but not too small either. It doesn't look like it was created by the elements.
I figure the pigeons dug it open to make a nest...

Nevertheless, I'm fixin' a hole...

Fixin' a hole where the rain gets in.

Another thing I found on the roof was lots of little bones.
Maybe from birds?
or rodents?
or from food remains scavanged by crows and carried in tallons to their lofty, sun-bleached resting place?

_____________________________________

Tunes!
Wilco- bonus CD-ROM concert on A Ghost is Born

2004-06-22T19:39:00.000-07:00
Lollapalooza is cancelled.

I think that's real sad....

2004-06-04T13:35:00.000-07:00
Last night I saw a rat scuttle across the intersection at Ironwood to go from Bread Garden to Burger King.

I guess they like the food there better.

We have so much to learn from our furry friends.

2004-05-31T23:18:00.000-07:00
Sometimes I wonder if iTunes is intelligent...

For example, I was listening to music on random on iTunes earlier today, and it played "Road" by Nick Drake, then immediately after, it played "Silver Road" by Sarah Harmer. Coincidence, or playing on a theme?

Shortly after that I heard "Build" by the Housemartins, which was immediately followed by Fatboy Slim...aka Norman Cook, former member of the Housemartins. Does iTunes know that? Did it make that connection, and intentionally put the songs in that order, or was it just a fluke?

Other times, iTunes has just sequenced songs in amazing ways, where keys and rhythms have come together seamlessly.

Needless to say I dig iTunes.

______________________________________________
tunes:

Bright Eyes- Lover I Don't Have To Love

on...iTunes

2004-05-20T12:18:00.000-07:00
You can probably tell that I've been getting very into film lately.

The other night I watched In America. Twice.
It's a great movie, but it took me a while to get into it. By the end I was hooked.
The two girls who play the sisters (they're also sisters in real life) upstaged the adult actors, I'd say.

I watched Troy on the weekend. A bloated epic? Yes.
It's sort of like Lord of the Rings without the annoying hobbits.
Did I enjoy it? Yes.
Brad Pitt is back on my list of coolest dudes ever. (I also watched Fight Club again last week.)

Ash noted that based on this trailer, Garden State is a must see movie. We have no idea what the movie is about, but when we saw the trailer before seeing Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, we knew we had to see it.

Do trailers have such power as to make a person decide to see or not see a movie? Are they accurate representation of what the movie will actually be like, or, are they just clever gimmics and advertisments designed to manipulate an audience, like so much Brittney booty-shaking to promote a Pepsi?

Every month there are dozens of movies released. On what basis do we decide which are worthy of viewing?

I've come across a couple of trailers recently, that I have found intriguing.

The first is called Coffee and Cigarettes, by Jim Jarmusch, a vetran indie filmaker who's work (Ghost Dog, Dead Man) I have enjoyed in the past. The premise of the film is quite simple. Ten vignettes of people talking (and drinking coffee, and smoking...hence the title) in a diner. Most of the people are familiar (watch the trailer to see who!)
Can such a simple concept make for a compelling film? I'm really not sure...but watch the trailer here.

The second is called the Cremaster. I don't really know much about it, other than it comes in five parts, and it is much more of a conceptual/artistic film than anything you are likely to see these days. (Comparisons to Luis Bunuel's surrealist filmaking have been made.) Not much to say about the film other than it will be showing at the Cinematheque next month. Watch the trailer and tell me what you think...

In other completely unrelated news...I'm learning to play the ukulele.

Werd.

Ok....going to Seattle now to see the Cardigans and Johnathan Rice!

Bye!

2004-05-14T17:04:00.000-07:00
There's a gaggle of good shows that I'm planning to check out in the near future.

You should too.
__________________________

Friday (tonight):

Hinterland, Dawntreader, Guitaro, the Parkas @ the Pic

___________________________

Monday, May 17th:

A cover songs showcase (singers playing other people's music and such) @ the Railway, featuring Kevin "Grapes of Wrath" Kane, Steven "the Odds" Drake, Tal "She's So High" Bachman, Jonathan "anonymous jerk" Anderson, and Mark Berube

______________________________

Thursday, May 20th:

The Cardigans, Johnathan Rice @ Neumos in Seattle

I predict that Johnathan Rice is going to be the "next big thing"...

_______________________________

Monday, May 24th

Yo La Tengo @ Richards

________________________________

July 14th, 15th

Lollapalooza @ White River Ampitheater (outside of Seattle), featuring Sonic Youth, Morrisey, Modest Mouse, Flaming Lips, Broken Social Scene, Gomez, Polyphonic Spree, the Walkmen, The Fire Theft, Elbow, etc...

2004-05-11T19:30:00.000-07:00
Does everyone remember the movie Lucas?
It was one of the lesser known teen drama/comedies of the '80s, but nonetheless one of my favorites. It starred Corey Haim (Lucas) as the misfit/loner, who's affections were set on the lovely, but ultimately unattainable Kerri Green (Maggie).

Do you also remember the repeating plot allusions to the "17 Year locusts"? The gist was that these special insects incubate for extended periods of time, and only appear every 17 years.
Well the amazing thing is that these little buggers really do exists, and this is YEAR 17!

Not technically locusts, these critters are called Periodical Cicadia. The Cicadia lay eggs in trees. The larvae drop into the ground, and burrow, where they incubate for 17 years (some other species on a 13 year cycle). Every 17 years they emerge from the ground and fly around in massive swarms, generally creating a disgusting nuisance.

Well, we are on the cusp of the cycle of life renewing itself. It kind of makes you think...

There's one poignent scene where Lucas and Maggie are pondering where they will be when the locusts return:

Lucas: "You'll be 33, I'll be 31 1/2. Do you think we'll still know each other?"

Maggie:"I don't know....I hope so."

Somehow you get the impression that they probably won't know each other by then...kind of touching and compelling, actually. Fate brings people together for a time, but friendships and loves are not permanent. The older I get, the more I realize this.

Anyways, they should make a sequel based on where they all ended up 17 years later. I'm sure Corey Haim and Kerri Green could use the work. Come to think of it, Charlie Sheen and Winona Ryder probably could too. (This was Winona's first film.)

Yeah...these are just some of the crazy thoughts that go through my mind on a daily basis...

2004-05-04T23:59:00.000-07:00
How come classes like this are never offered at schools that I go to?

____________________________________________________
today's spins:

Bob Dylan- Blonde on Blonde
Nick Drake- Bryter Layter

2004-04-23T12:51:00.000-07:00
I touched Kim Deal's hand!!!
She reached down from the stage and shook my hand!

Wow. Last night I had the time of my life.

Sarah, Mikael, and I got to the Commodore when the doors opened, and we scoped out a table with a good view. The Opening band was Black Mountain (aka Jerk With a Bomb), whom I had already seen perform a couple of times. Now, I'm not the biggest JWAB fan, but for some reason, last night I was really digging their 70's blues-rock stylings, and droning riffs. Maybe it was just because I was so excited to be seeing the pixies, or maybe it was just because everything sounds so sweet in the Commodore.

Anyways...when it came time for the Pixies, Sarah and I went up front. I was surprised how close we were able to get. I ended up just to the right of the stage, about 10-15 feet from Kim Deal, and with a good view of Frank and Joey. Dave, alas, was completely out of my line of vision for the entire set.

They began with La La Love You...which was hillarious, because they messed up, and had to start again...

Frank said, "We haven't had to abort a song yet on this tour have we?"

Kim: No...

Frank: Can we go off stage and come back out?

So they left the stage for a minute and came back out. Kim picks up her guitar and said "Hi! We're the Pixies!". Frank said, "Golly it's been a long time!", and then they rip into the most amazing set of music I've ever heard. For those who are interested, here's what they played:

1 - La La Love You
2 - Winterlong
3 - Nimrod's Son
4 - Here Comes Your Man
5 - Vamos
6 - Bone Machine
7 - Broken Face
8 - Isla De Encanta
9 - Something Against You
10 - Dead
11 - Number 13 Baby
12 - Cactus
13 - Monkey
14 - Subbacultcha
15 - Caribou
16 - Hey
17 - Velouria
18 - Bleed
19 - Wave of Mutilation
10 - Debaser
21 - Gouge Away
22 - Tame
23 - Gigantic

Encore
24 - Heaven / Wave of Mutilation (UK Surf)
25 - Where Is My Mind?
26 - Into The White

I was singing and shouting along for a majority of the set, and much of the crowd was as well. It was a different experience then any other show I've ever been to, as far as people being so into the music.

The highlight for me was definitely "Hey"...when they played that one I couldn't repress my blissed-out, hysterical laughter at the fact that I was actually hearing this song performed live! I think I nearly cried....nearly.

The band themselves seemed to be enjoying themselves. Frank can sure scream his ass off. I think he could have sang without a mic! He's so bald and fat, and I love how his leg shakes and keeps the rhythm (the closest he gets to dancing). Joey Santiago was all business, concentrating on those guitar licks. Mad props to him for being a true Philippino rock star! Like I said, I didn't see Dave for most of the night...but he looked hilarious with an awful mullet and ugly leather hat. Kim...well, let's just say she looked downright frumpy. One of the great things about the Pixies is that they are such anti-rockstars. I mean their fashion sense is horrible....so you know it has to be all about the music. ...And last night the music was perfect.

All in all, it was an amazing experience. My voice is wrecked....

Oh, did I mention I shook Kim's hand?
It was hot and sweaty.

2004-04-22T16:05:00.000-07:00
Holy S#*t!

I'm going to see the Pixies tonight!

This could be the best night of my life.

Expect a full report soon.

_________________________________________________
tunage:
Yo La Tengo- I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One

...breathtaking

2004-04-15T11:51:00.000-07:00
A short time ago, Burnaby/Douglas NDP MP Svend Robinson publicly confessed on television that he had shoplifted a $50,000 ring on Good Friday.

Although I didn't agree with Mr. Robinson's views all the time, he seemed like one of the few politicians out there with integrity. He seemed to fight for those things that he genuinely believed in, and for what he thought was right. If you ask me, politics is sorely lacking in people who stand for principles and care about people. The guiding principle for most is power games and positioning, using people and promises to attain your desired goals. Svend didn't seem like one of those.

but now this...

I don't know what would lead anyone to pocket a $50,000 ring in a place where everyone knows who you are...a place equipped with video surveillance too. Mitigating curcumstances point to extreme stress causing a momentary lapse of reason. I guess that's for the lawyers and others to decide.

The point is, in contrast with other "busted" politicians (i.e. Clinton with Lewinsky, Gordon Campbell with his DUI), there was a vague smug satisfaction in seeing them get their comeuppance. With Robinson, I just feel sorry for him.

Any thoughts?

2004-04-12T20:10:00.001-07:00
As we speak, one of North America's greatest natural resources is being depleated. A precious species is on the verge of extinction. I'm talking about the back catalogue of movies available in VHS format at your local movie rental establishment. The VHS tape is slow going the way of the audiocassette in the 80's. Soon, it will be a mere medium of nastolgia for weirdos who wonder why "Ishtar" was never transfered to DVD. Weirdos like me.

Seriously. I fear the day when many classic films will no longer be available because they weren't given a life in digital format. What's worse...a friend told me that in order to to make room for the dvd age, many stores are simply throwing out or destroying much of their VHS catalogue.

HOW CAN THIS BE!?!?!?

Don't even get me started about the major chain corporations (Blockbuster, Rogers).

Just don't get me started...

I tried to rent 21 grams the other day...there wasn't even a VHS copy available. -surly a sign of the times...

I guess the one redeeming factor of this dvd revolution is that you can often buy a "previously viewed" VHS for the same price that you can rent it.

Over the past few days I've taken advantage of that, and saved some movies from VHS oblivion. I picked up:

The Power of One
East is East
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Spies Like Us
Lost in Translation

Oh, wait...

Lost in Translation was a dvd.

viva la revolucion.

2004-04-02T12:36:00.000-08:00
...And behold, the word of the LORD came:

"I will send My chosen servant among you, and he will save his people from mediocre, uninspired music. And this shall be a sign unto you: he will arise from the mighty state of Michigan, and he will carry My chosen instrument, a banjo."

And lo, there arose from among the Great Lakes a young minstrel named Sufjan. He was nimble of finger, and righteous in heart, and the Spirit of the LORD was upon him. Many miraculous signs and wonders accompanied him, and wherever he went the people were amazed saying, "Who is this Blessed One that brings to us this music from Heaven?" Others said, "He is like Dylan, or one of the Prophets of old!" Sufjan found great favor in the eyes of pitchfork and tinymixtapes, and verily, the critics did not harm him by day, nor the reviews by night.

Sufjan went forth into the land, and laid waste to every abominable thing. The TRLs and Clear Channels, and all the high places were torn down, and behold, many Good Charlotte and Nickelback CDs were burned as detestable. Henceforth, Sufjan sang and played the songs of the LORD, and there was much rejoicing in the land.

________________________________________

Those who have ears, let them hear: Sufjan Stevens- Seven Swans

2004-03-25T00:15:00.000-08:00
I don't really cry at movies or T.V., but these are scenes that get Roger all choked up:

a)The climax of "Big Fish" where the son is telling the story of his father's passing.

b)The final episode of "The Wonder Years"

seriously... The Wonder Years rules. I grew up with Kevin Arnold. The soundtrack to the show ruled as well. Hearing songs from that show make me nastolgic for a childhood that I never actually lived.
I wish it was still on TV.

Is it still on TV anywhere?

Let me know if you ever find it in syndication/reruns.

Some cool things to watch:

1)I have no idea what this movie is about, but it looks crazy, and it makes me wish I knew Japanese...

2)Any fans of Bruce (Evil Dead/ Army of Darkness) Campbell? If so, you need to check out this movie.

I don't want to give too much away, but I'll mention that Campbell plays an elderly Elvis Presley who is residing in a care home and teams with a black man who thinks that he's JFK. Together they fight a soul-sucking mummy who is threatening the care home residents.

Campbell's performance manages to be neither campy, nor overwrought, but sincere, poignant, and just a little bit sad.

Seriously, an Oscar-worthy performance.

Don't believe me? Go see it. It's playing at Tinseltown, but probably not for long.

Current Tunes:

Getz/Gilberto....mmm Bossa Nova jazz...

2004-03-12T14:30:00.000-08:00
Here comes the update monster...
updating at the speed of, well...Blog.

How fast is Blog you ask?

Well...there it goes now...

Pretty fast, huh?

...in other news...

I now have Pixies tickets in hand!
This means that my emotional stability has largely returned to me.
Ok...so they cost me $75 apiece. It's so worth it to know that I'll be seeing one of my favorite bands on this, thier reunion tour.

Here's hoping its a good one.

Hmmm... What else is new?

School's been kicking my butt, but I've had a good kick back at it.

Today's been a lovely day. Man, if this is what winter weather is like in Vancouver, it could easily become my favorite season! (spring doesn't officially start for another week or so)
Seriously, has it not been gorgeous out lately?

What else...?

The Cazart! CD release show last night...

It was fun to see all the shmoozing among the industry types, and OH MAN the free food spread! sushi! cheese! fruit! a cornucopia of crackers!
Let's just say that Jo and I took full advantage of it.

Oh yeah, another food-related highlight! Flavour shots for Big Gulps in 7-11!
If you don't know what that is, you'll have to go there to see for yourself.
I highly recommend adding a couple of shots of the vanilla to rootbeer.

As I said, its a lovely day today. You should go outside. I should too.
I'm so glad I don't have school on Fridays. I did, however, have a school-related interview this morning. After that, I got some take-out Chinese. And after that, a stop off at Zulu's used section resulted in getting:

Sonic Youth- Daydream Nation
Beck- Midnite Vultures

Other recent listens:

Pedro the Lion- Achilles Heel
(Don't ask how I came about having this. I'm not allowed to say!)

2004-02-24T13:30:00.000-08:00
Any hip-hop heads out there?

If so, you'll be jealous, because guess who got to see GRANDMASTER FLASH and ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT last night? In a small club setting, no less?

Yeeeeeeeeah Boiiiiiiiiii!!!! That's right, it was me!

To be honest, I didn't even know that either was still performing anymore, until a friend offered me a free ticket to the show. (thanks a million Kirsten!)

I must tell you, last night was a true old-school love fest. It reminded me of why I was a huge hip-hop fan back in the day (circa 1992, when Arrested Development were at their peak). Of course, Grandmaster Flash goes back way farther than that. He told us how hip-hop actually started in 1971(with a DJ called Kool Herc), and he started in '73. I guess last night was a bit of a lesson in the history of hip-hop...a lesson that kept the kids dancing all night.

Wow, for lack of a better term, Arrested Development was the shit.
If a long hiatus from the scene had made them lazy, or rusty, it sure didn't show in their live show. Damn, they were fun. Unusual for a hip hop crew, they actually featured a live band (drummer and bass player) who actually rocked. As well, they had a DJ, two rappers, and two singers. They played their hits...Mr. Wendel, People Everyday, and my personal favorite, Tennessee with all the flow, panache, and exuberance one could hope for. Everybody sang along. Other highlights included a cover of Marley's Redemption Song, and an extended (I mean, like over 5 minutes!) bass solo. That guy could really play!

Man, Arrested Devellopment are so cool! They seem so grounded and spiritual, the total antithesis of most rap stars. I talked to Speech (the frontman of the crew) after their set. He's so laid back and cool! And....he's about the same height as me! Props to him. New album drops in April.

Now, the main attraction last night was Grandmaster Flash. He's the godfather of hip-hop, the most legendary DJ in the business, and one of few celebrated poineeers in the form. A lengthy video clip was shown before his arrival on stage just to make sure that we understood just how legendary and celebrated and pioneering he was...and is.

Well, I can tell you that he's sure adept at bolstering his own reputation, and he sure knows how to work a crowd, and a turntable. He was spinning the real old-school vibe, mixing up tracks by everyone from Run-DMC, to Queen, to Michael Jackson, to Naughty By Nature, to Sugarhill Gang. He'd cut into the mixes to interact with the crowd telling us to "sing like Michael Jackson", "throw ya hands in the air", "somebody scream", and leading us in a classic crossroom chant of "Hey!" "Ho!".
Everyone was having a mad good time. A breakdance circle even formed in the back of the joint!

Last night reminded me of a time when hip-hop actually promoted a positive message and social consciousness. Bitches and bling is all well and good, but it was nice to experience some hip-hop that feeds the soul.
I loved it.

2004-02-21T10:01:00.000-08:00
I don't know whether to cry or scream....

It's just been one of those weeks.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!

*ahem*

anyone with an extra pixies ticket to spare would be my hero.

2004-02-09T23:52:00.000-08:00
OH MY GOLLY! OH MY GOLLY!

OK posers, BIG FRICKIN' NEWS!!!!!

the PIXIES are coming to Vancouver!!!!
2 shows!

April 22nd, and 23rd!

The Commodore! (This makes up for the Ryan Adams cancellation ten-fold.)

...so some of you aren't very excited about that.

Well, let me 'splain you somethin'...I've been a huge pixies fan for over ten years. Not long enough to remember them in their original glory days, but long enough so that B. Francis' and K. Deal's musings are deeply embedded into my psyche. They are one of the very few bands I've been into for that long whose music still sounds as fresh now as when I first heard it.

Theirs is a legacy that has only sweetened with age, much like the Beatles. Next to the second coming of Christ, thier reunion has been the most highly anticipated event in human history.

Ok, maybe I exaggerate, but only a little bit. So, you can bet you're sweet booty that I'll be the maniac at the commodore yelling out requests for Monkey Gone to Heaven, Gigantic, Where is My Mind, Allison, Debaser, Gouge Away, etc....

ok, maybe not. But, by Jeebus, I'll be there, and I'll be well enthoused.

Let me just say that if you don't listen to the Pixies, you're missing out BIG TIME!

In other news...check out this clip.

Laughing at other people's misfortunes is fun...

While you're at it, download the new Pedro the Lion song off of his upcoming album!

_____________________________________________

Recent music purchases: (both are great!)

Belle & Sebastian- Dear Catastrophe Waitress
The Notwist- Neon Golden (see you there on Thursday?)

2004-01-28T16:28:00.001-08:00
Last night the Oscar noms came out, so naturally I have some opinions to share on that.

1) I'm very pleased that my favorite film of the year "City of God" got four noms: Best Director (Fernando Meirelles), Best Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, and Editing. Really, this movie had such a low profile, I'm surprised that the Academy noticed. Good for them!

But...given these nominations, how is it that it got snubbed in the Best Foreign Film category?

2) I'm glad that Lost in Translation got the nom for Best Picture. Sometimes the smaller films get overlooked. For once people paid attention to critical acclaim, and not just box office.

Now Sophia Coppola can stand proud with the insanely talented men in her family...Francis Ford (her dad), Nicolas Cage (cousin), Spike Jonze (husband...he directed "Adapation" as well as a ton-o cool music videos).

Holy crap! Can you imagine the family gatherings?

3) Return of the King- 11 noms??!?!?

Well sure...they're gonna reward Jackson for the achievement of the entire series, not just the last installment. LOTR will sweep.

(incedentally, the only other time that three consecutive films in a series were nominated for Oscars was Francis Ford Coppola's Godfather...just thought you'd like to know since I had mentioned him and all...)

erm...

*cough*

____________________________________

oh! here's fun news.

that scruffy-haired songster Ryan (not Bryan) Adams is playing the Commodore on March 22nd.

I'll be there. Will you?

2004-01-14T14:30:00.000-08:00
Sooo....

Tomorrow I turn 2_.

If you don't know what that is, it's the same age that Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, and Kurt Cobain all died.

For this reason, I used to be obsessed with this number. "Look at what they accomplished by that age", I thought.

"My life's great work should be completed by then", I thought.

I can't say that I've accomplished astounding things yet in my life, but maybe it's fine just being normal. I'm not one of those greats who shines bright then disappears. I've got to come to grips with that.

On the bright side, I don't plan on being dead any time soon.

Ultimately, 2_ is just another number. I feel like my life, in many ways, is just beginning. I guess it's time to grow up...
_______________________________________________

"Kurt Cobain, he never had a chance, you know.
Incurable romantics never do.
He held a flame I wasn't born to carry.
I'll leave that dying young stuff up to you."

-"Heart" by Stars

"It's better to fade away than it is to burn out."

-not Neil Young, but his life proves the case

2004-01-09T16:53:00.000-08:00
The problem with setting down a definitive "best of" list for the year is the inevitable ammendments you want to make soon after the fact. Case in point: a scant week into the '04 and already I want to make revisions to both my music and film lists.

I recently picked up "Cast of Thousands" by Elbow, based on the recommendations of a number of you out there in blogland.

Wow.

It's really quite ....good.

Very good! Majestic. Passionate. Dramatic.

Yes. It would definitely make my top 15 for 2003.

I also watched Big Fish.
In spite of the mixed reviews, I found that Tim Burton was able to draw me into the magical reality of this movie, and the emotional payoff was a big one for me.
I agree with the notion that the film serves as a post-modern dialectic on the nature of epistemology (I saw something to that effect written somewhere). In essence, it makes us ask "what is truth?".
The father's embellishment of event into mythology conveys real meaning. The son, on the other hand, is interested in facts. I guess the lesson is that what actually happens is not as important as the significance and meaning which we attach to events in our life.
A great line is one where the father tells the son "You've got all the facts, but none of the flavour".
Sometimes the myth and the legend is what is important. I would like to have a life with flavour.

In short, this movie really worked for me. Burton has always had a keen visual sense, and I think that in this movie he's found a story to match his vivid imagination. Big Fish would be on my top 15 of 2003.
_________________________________________
Current tunes: "Good Vibrations"- the Beach Boys

(does anyone disagree that this is the coolest Beach Boys song ever?)

2004-01-01T17:18:00.000-08:00
Happy new year everybody!

'Tis the season for best of the year lists. So here's my music review for the year.
Go here if you want to see last year's list.

Favorite listens of 2003:

1. THE POSTAL SERVICE- GIVE UP

2. DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE- TRANSATLATICISM

3. BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE- YOU FORGOT IT IN PEOPLE

4. IN MEDIAS RES- OF WHAT WAS

5. RADIOHEAD- HAIL TO THE THEIF

6. STARS- HEART

7. THE WEAKERTHANS- RECONSTRUCTION SITE

8. THE JAYHAWKS- RAINY DAY MUSIC

9. THE CARDIGANS- LONG GONE BEFORE DAYLIGHT

10. OUTKAST- SPEAKERBOXXX/ THE LOVE BELOW

11. DAMIEN JURADO- WHERE SHALL YOU TAKE ME

12. DENISON WITMER- RECOVERED

13. A NORTHERN CHORUS- SPIRIT FLAGS

14. PILATE- CAUGHT BY THE WINDOW

15. THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS- ELECTRIC VERSION

To be honest, I didn't find a whole lot of music that really excited me in 2003. I was a year for me that found a lot of great bands releasing music that didn't match their previous efforts.

Oh well, I know that there's a lot of great music out there, it just takes a bit of digging to be found...

2003, the year in music: 7.5/ 10

check below for the year in film!

2004-01-01T16:26:00.000-08:00
What made for a mediocre year in music made for a completely fantastic year in film. At least from my perspective...

Here's my picks:

1. CITY OF GOD- great gangster flick set in the ghettos of Rio De Janiero, Brazil. Apparently this stark portrayal of ghetto life prompted social reforms in Brazil. Who says art can't make a difference? This movie is a classic.

2. KILL BILL VOL.1- tarantino is a virtuoso at the top of his game.

3. LOST IN TRANSLATION- an understated study in personal alienation.

4. LOTR:RETURN OF THE KING- return of the awesome!

5. 21 GRAMS- the weight of awesome!

6. SCHOOL OF ROCK- school of awesome!

7. ELEPHANT- gus van sant goes arty again... columbine + hyper-realism= eerie

8. MORVERN COLLAR- what do you do when your boyfriend commits suicide and leaves a bunch of money and a genius unpublished book? watch this and find out.

9. DIRTY PRETTY THINGS- the seamy underbelly of london's illegal immigrant culture

10. MY LIFE WITHOUT ME- good golly ms. polley!

11. SPELLBOUND- quirky kids + spelling bee= amusing and interesting

12. THIRTEEN- life wasn't like that when i was 13

13. MASTER AND COMMANDER- i'm not much of a russel crowe fan, but the filming and technical/historical detail are impressive

14. 28 DAY LATER- a zombie classic for the new milennium

15. A MIGHTY WIND- "it's blowing over you, it's blowing over me..."

*you may notice that this list is remarkably similar to ash poon's list.
This can be explained by the fact that:

1. I copied ash's list
2. Great minds think alike
3. We saw alot of movies together
4. Ash is a jerk.

Overall, the year in movies gets a 9.5 out of 10.

2003-12-24T17:01:00.000-08:00
I used to really not like Christmas music in general...but wow, there's some really fantastic Christmas music out there. The best of it will make you nostalgic, maybe even nostalgic for experiences you've never even had. (How many of you have actually been riding on a one horse open sleigh?)
There's nothing like singing to put you into the Christmas spirit.
*Random shout out to extreme caroling!*

On that note, if I had a cd burner, I'd so be on top of making the ultimate Christmas mix. Since I don't, I'll just list some selections here.
To me, these come to mind as some of the best performances of Christmas songs old and new

Baby Please Come Home- U2
Blue Christmas- Elvis Presley
Santa Bring My Baby Back to Me- Elvis Presley
Christmas in Holis- Run DMC
Maybe This Christmas- Ron Sexsmith
Fairytale of New York- The Pogues
Gabriel's Message- Sting
7 O'Clock News/ Silent Night- Simon and Garfunkel
Happy Christmas (War is Over)- John Lennon
Little Drummer Boy/ Peace on Earth- Bing Crosby& David Bowie
White Christmas- Bing Crosby
Here Comes Santa Claus- Elvis Presley
Mary's Waltz- Over The Rhine
O Little Town of Bethlehem- Bruce Cockburn
selections from A Charlie Brown Christmas- Vince Guaraldi Trio
selections from Handel's Messiah
*Go Tell it on the Mountain- Blind Boys of Alabama feat. Tom Waits

*I haven't actually heard this, but you KNOW that it has got to be great!

So that's about it...tell me about any Christmas favorites of yours that I should add.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
May you experience Immanuel.

2003-12-17T14:43:00.000-08:00
Yesterday, quite unexpectedly, I ended up at the screening of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. I say unexpectedly, because I had not planned on going. I am not one of those sci-fi/fantasy geeks normally prone to doing such things. Nonetheless, I was graciously offered a ticket for yesterday's showing, so naturally, I went. (Cheers and thanks to Mr. Steve Watts)

This momentous event included a screening of The Fellowship of the Rings, and The Two Towers, both in their extended editions. This was followed by the premiere of Return of the King. All in all, this amounted to nearly 11 hours of movie watching, which, couch potato though I may be, is not something I am likely to do very often.

It was alot of fun, and the crowd was fully enthoused, with the requisite cheering, and the occasional elf or dark rider costume.

Seeing the three films together really helped me to appreciate the bedth and depth of Peter Jackson's cinematic vision. The detail and work that went into this series is phenomenal. And the scenes from the extended editions really do make the story more cohesive. As a whole, the series is so impressive, that Jackson can ultimately be forgiven for the liberties he took with Tolkien's storyline.

As far as Return of the King, I think that this final installment is the best of the bunch. It simply has more breathtaking moments and more humor than the first two. It still has too many gee-wiz moments, and too many doleful gazes by Elijah Woods (the weakest link in an otherwise strong cast). Overall though, the Return of the King is everything that an epic adventure should be, with enough twists and turns to keep things exciting, and enough heroic moments to keep the heart racing, and an audience cheering.

Of course, I don't need to tell you to see this. You probably already have.

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A recap of the movies I've seen (in theater) this past term:

Lost in Translation - Sept 22
Thirteen - Sept 30
My Life Without Me - Oct 3
School of Rock - Oct 7
Kill Bill Vol. 1 - Oct 13
Spellbound - ?* (post-post addendum. I don't remember when I saw it.)
Master and Commander - Nov 14
Elephant - Nov 20
21 Grams - Dec 2
LOTR Trilogy - Dec 16

Stay tuned for my end of the year top picks!

2003-12-11T20:42:00.001-08:00
After a mighty, herculean effort, I am finished my school term!
Man, I wasn't sure if I was gonna make it... but in the course of six days I was able to knock off an 18 page paper, an 11 page paper, a 7 page paper, and a 3 hour in-class exam.

Well....now that that's all done, I've got some free time.
BRING ON THE FUN!
BRING ON THE PAAARTAAAAAY!
CUTLOOSE!

um......does any body want to hang out with me?

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All I want for Christmas is:

-an iPod
-fuzzy slippers
-that live Led Zepplin CD
-a fender acoustasonic jr. amp
-dvd player
-the new johnny cash box set (american recordings)
-peace on earth
-my two front teeth

2003-12-09T22:10:00.000-08:00
Remember that maintaining personal hygiene is important, even if, maybe ESPECIALLY if you are in the midst of term paper season, and are locking yourself in a little room with books and a computer for days on end with littleornohumancontact and...AAAAAAAAARGH!

Term paper pages complete: 20
Pages left to write: at least 15
Taking Tuesday night off to watch "Newlyweds", "The Simple Life", and "24": priceless

Does anyone remember Tarzan Dan? He was a radio DJ who used to do the countdown show on some radio station...I forget which...and then he was on YTV for some show...I forget which. He had this little signiture sound that would play when he was on air....kind of a Tarzan-beats-his-chest-and-lets-out-mighty-yodel yell.

Man, he was lame...
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Tunes:

Used Songs- Tom Waits

2003-12-01T14:05:00.000-08:00
So, City of God gets released tomorrow on video and dvd. Even though I've only seen it once, I think that it's one of the best movies I've ever seen.

Who wants to have a viewing party?

____________________________________________

getting an earful of:

the clash- london calling

2003-11-15T15:02:00.000-08:00
Yo, yo, yo!

Check out the preview for Alien Vs. Predator. Oh well, it looks more promising than Freddy Vs. Jason. What's next? Happy Gilmore Vs. Baggar Vance? I can't wait.

While your at it, check out this list of the 20th Century's Most Favorably Criticized Rock Albums

I'd be interested to hear people's reactions to the list...

Do you think that this list is valid? (apparently the results are culled from a wide variety of music critics from various publications.)

Any glaring omissions? (obviously independently released music, and music on independent labels will tend to be overlooked...)

What is your general reaction to this list?

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recent spins:

outkast- speakerboxxx/the love below
joy division- closer

2003-10-30T18:05:00.000-08:00
so...last night, and completely spur of the moment, I decided to go to a show: the Dears and Pilate.

Wow, I'm so glad I went... it was one of the best shows I've been to in a while.

I wasn't really too familiar with either band. I'd seen the video for Pilate's debut single a couple of times, and I've heard much more about the Dears than I'd actually heard them, but on both counts I was pleasantly impressed.

Pilate is well within the tradition of radiohead/coldplay/travis etc... Amazing soaring falsetto vocals, shimmering guitars, and hook filled melodies. They're from Toronto, and no that's not a phoney british accent the singer's coping. He's actually from New Zealand. Sometimes it's hard to get into a band live if you're not familiar with their music, but Pilate was easy to love at first listen. Mark my words, these guys are gonna be HUGE! Maybe....?

The Dears. Yep, the much beloved Dears... Great energy and presence, and they've got a vibe, and chemistry (some migh call it a schtik?) together as a band which most bands lack. I loved how all the male members of the band were going all out, in the thralls of passionate music making while the two female keyboardists maintained this kind of deadpan blank look throughout the set. The thing is, I think that the whole energy, look, dynamic, and vibe of the Dears actually stood out more to me than their music, or their songs...meanwhile, a hook, or a chorus by Pilate will be going through my head all day.

By the way, is Pilate a Biblical reference? (Pontius?)
I wonder if there is any Christian influence there.

A wierd thing about that show is that two completely random girls came up to me and started talking to me. That kind of thing doesn't usually happen to me. This whole meeting people in bars thing is odd, but interesting.

Also, (for those of you who know/remember) I ran into Gita Gill there. That was weird. It was cool talking to her. It's sometimes awkward running into people you haven't seen in years, but with her it was actually pretty cool.

_____________________________________________________

aural stimuli- "It must have been love, but it's over now"- Roxette
(no irony intended. It just happened to be on the radio.)

PS- a shout out to Ash and Leigh on their birthday today!!!!!

2003-10-29T16:58:00.000-08:00
Oh man, the sunset is a majestic pinkish-purple as it hits the underside of the clouds right now...

What the heck am I doing inside???

________________________________________________

mewshik: In Medias Res - Intimacy Ep.

2003-10-22T22:37:00.000-07:00
Wow, last night's show at Mesa Luna was off the hilt!

Bel Riose? They were cool...I guess. I was doing the door at the time.

Hejira. Yeah. You rock! I appreciate it more every time I see them. I loved that song with the drumloop (second song I think...).

IMR was in fine form. The guys cut loose, and had a good time on stage. Consequently, everyone else did too.

Raking Bombs. Wow. Calculated insanity never shook its booty like this.
Flying off drumkits! lead singers falling backwards off the stage and landing their necks! the screaming! the spasmic dancing! steve watts screaming in his 80's sunglasses! hanging from rafters! guitar notes played on every beat! and between every beat! a dozen people on stage banging on every conceivable object!

Now THAT is a show!

I think I saw some of the best Vancouver area bands last night, but maybe I'm biased.

Celebrity Sightings at the show:
David Genn (sp?) (Ex. Matt Good Band) came to see IMR, and he brought minor local celebrity and weather and news hottie Tamara Taggart with him. Are they going out? If so, I liken them to a low-rent, Vancouver version of Chris Martin and Gwenyth Paltrow. Yes...I am lame.

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Soundwaves: Figure 8- Elliot Smith (R.I.P.)

2003-10-08T14:43:00.000-07:00
Ok. "School of Rock", starring Jack Black?

....best movie ever!!!

seriously.

Ok...maybe not....but seriously.

________

current tunes: silence...waiting for the new Death Cab to come in at Zulu.

2003-10-04T15:03:00.000-07:00
Last night Sarah and I went to see "My Life Without Me", which was showing as part of the Vancouver International Film Festival. It stars Sarah Polley as a young mother who gets diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer, and decides to live her last days to the fullest. It's a powerful movie, and beautifully rendered. (It's set in Vancouver too!) I was expecting it to be very sad, and it was quite moving...but not in a dispairing kind of way. It treated the subject of death with a kind of unflinchingness and dignity that is rare in North American culture. In the protagonist's death we see an undercurrent of life: joy, love, experiences, and yes...regrets. The film doesn't wallow in sadness, but celebrates a life...a life that is flawed and tragic, yes, but a life that is brimming with...vividness and vitality. There's even a good sense of humor in the movie, like the inclusion of a hairdresser who is obsessed with Milli Vanilli.

Sarah Polley's performance was dead on. She's probably my favorite actress at the moment. If there's any justice, she should get the nod for best actress.

For some reason, I'm on a big film kick lately. I've really come to appreciate the medium of film in a way that I never have. I'd even venture to say that I'm becoming more of a film fan than a music fan. One thing I can say for sure is that the best films these days are not coming out of Hollywood.
__________________________________________________________________

After the movie, Sarah and I (Forssman, not Polley) were in a reflective mood, so we talked about death, life, and everything in between. We ended up driving to Cypress Mountain, walking up one of the ski slopes, and laying under the stars. It was rad.
It was mad foggy in the city, and on the highway to the mountain (about 15 feet visablility), but when we passed the cloudline it was clear, and the stars were amazing.
It's also absolutely silent up on that mountain. Nothing. No animal, no human, no mechanical noises. Not even the wind. We sat and listened to the silence. I love moments like that. They are rare.
________________________________________________________________

Current Tunage: The Cardigans - "Long Gone Before Daylight"

2003-09-26T21:19:00.000-07:00
Sometimes I feel....unappreciated. I happen to think I'm a good person. I try to be selfless (but am I just deluding myself?). I try to be considerate and go out of my way to be a good friend...
So, why do most of these friendships seem hollow?
Now, I'm not looking for recognition, I guess... Maybe just the acknowledgement that my existance matters. Maybe sometimes I need to be reminded of that.
Is that selfish? Deluded? I don't know.

Sometimes I wonder what it is I live for. What motivates me? Why do i bother waking up each morning...?
I thought that the point of it all was to live for others. To somehow, through my existance, make the lives of those I love better.
Hmmmm...it occurs to me that maybe I don't do such a good job of that. How can I affect people if I don't connect with them?

Now, I appreciate my friends. I really do. But it occurs to me that there must be something...MORE?
Now really, I don't expect everyone to be my best friend, nor can I be everyone's best friend...but I find myself longing for seomthing more substantial.
How do I do this?
Admittedly, it is a navigating of uncharted waters for me.
I need to learn how to work the ropes...read a compass...

I don't know. Maybe a public venue like this is not the appropriate place to express these things. But, who's to say?

I look around, and I see that most people seem to be living only for themselves... (no, not you, lovely reader, just people in general)
I wonder what keeps me from plunging into a life of raging hedonism. Live for making money, partying, materialism.
I guess I just never bought into that stuff.
To me, the value in life was found in the relationships you had with other human beings.
Now, I'm scared that the life I'm making has little value.

I guess you could say that this all boils down to loneliness...
I know that everyone experiences this. Even the popular people. I think perhaps that the most popular people are some of the loneliest.

...still, it would be nice to be popular for one day.

Geez, I sound so "high-school" right now.
Tomorrow will be different, I'm sure.

2003-09-16T16:02:00.000-07:00
America, I watched your TV channels tonight
You were driving through monstrous terrain
All rugged and beautiful
You leapt over your huddled masses
In single bounds
Carelessly, you toppled the Infirmary
And the best minds of our generation
Were crushed beneath your weight

You became the Adonis
Of ancient lore
(The antique gods
Still linger
And rage
When they are forgotten.
Can you seduce them too?)

You are much younger now
Younger than you seemed (for the scanty years have worn you):
The bastard son
Of unremembered promise

You've been tearing off
My fleshy chunks
For your levitical barbecue
And the huddled masses are gathered
To observe the ritual
To smell the meaty-sweet aroma
And to consume the entrails

Your silent-era film stars
Screemed imperceptibly
Startled by the awakening Behemoth:
You Cerebus, you Chimera
arising from anti-biotic filth

Kitchen utensils become
Implements of wonder and horror
As our meals come so
Chemically instant

2003-09-12T11:13:00.000-07:00
Johnny Cash died today.
Long live Johnny Cash.

2003-09-09T15:58:00.000-07:00
Yesterday I helped Dave and Carol move into their new appartment.

I hadn't seen them since they left on their three month whirlwind tour-of-Europe honeymoon.

So, this is thier first place together. A little one bedroom place on West 3rd, just off of Arbutus. The heart of Kitsilano. It's within a few minutes walk from Zulu Records, Soup Spoons, Las Margaritas, and Kits Beach. Also, they have one of the best views of the downtown skyline, and the North Shore that I have ever seen!

Guess where I'm gonna be hanging out? Hehe...

So, we innagurated their first evening in their first home with some take-out Greek food, eaten on cardboard boxes. They don't really have furniture yet.

It was good fun.
I've missed them.
________________________________________________________________

Tomorrow I'm going to the Weakerthans concert at Mesa Luna.
I'm as excited to see this show as any show I've gone to in a long time. I've really been on a weakerthans kick lately. John K. Samson's songs and lyrics buzz around in your brain like some strange insect infestation...but in a good way.

2003-09-01T23:09:00.000-07:00
Wow...the summer is winding down it seems.

I still have a week left before my classes start, but I have five papers to finish before then.

This weekend has been a good one.

Friday was the REM/ Wilco show. Jo got the ticket.
It was a rad concert. I love Wilco live. I saw them last year at Bumbershoot too.
I think Jeff Tweedy's voice sounds even better in concert then on the cds. So strong and warm and resonant. It's an aching beauty that is only matched by the tones that he can coax out of his vintage Martin accoustic.

Oh Man!

REM... what can one say about REM? These guys a legends.
I'd never seen them live before, and I think we were all treated to 2 hours of near bliss.
Honestly, I haven't heard any of their two latest albums, other than the singles...but not to worry, they stuck mainly to playing their hits. And what hits they are! Orange Crush, the One I love, Losing My Religion, Man on the Moon, Everybody Hurts, What's the Frequency Kenneth... It becomes immediately apparent why REM is one of the most important bands in the world. Sure they've written their share of crappy songs, but they've also written some of the best songs of the pop era.

It was also nice to see Thom Yorke on stage singing along with E-Bow the Letter, and dancing like a maniac to It's the End of the World as We Know it.
____________________________________________________________
I think I'm the only person alive that didn't go to radiohead
____________________________________________________________
Last Night I took Sarah (she cut all her hair off!) to see Ferris Bueller's Day off, as there was an outdoor showing at Spanish Banks.

It was rad, except for the fact that it started an hour behind schedule, and it was kinda cold out.

The movie is funnier than I remembered. If you haven't seen it in a while, you should.
_____________________________________________________________

Another good movie I saw recently was Adaptation.

One problem:
Can adapt be to adaption as adaptate is to adaptation?
Can we stick to one form, and not mingle them?
Think about it!
English is so confusing...

2003-09-01T16:51:00.000-07:00
"She's so young, but she's got the answers.
She doesn't need to question herself like I do...like I do."

Strangely, I find myself missing the band TPOH (The Pursuit of Happiness)

Am I the only one?

Can I get a witness?

Moe Berg, I salute you!

2003-08-23T23:08:00.000-07:00
LAST NIGHT WAS A CLASSIC NIGHT

...by any standard.
Me, Steve, Ash, Andrew, Ryan, and Ryan's two guests from the T-dot (one of whom Ash was supposed to "hook up" with) went downtown. We went to see this comedian called Neil Hamburger at the green room. Let me just say that it was a very unique experience.... Yeah. I'd have to say that I was one of the more vocal appreciators of his particular brand of humor... our table was definitely showing him the love.

After the show (about 2:00am) I mention to Steve a promotion being held at the downtown A&B Sound whereby the first 20 people to purchase an REM cd that next morning get 2 free tickets to the REM/Wilco/Dandy Warhols show at thunderbird stadium.
Steve says "let's do this", and the next thing I know we're camped out on Seymour St. in front of A&B with about a dozen other ticket-seekers.
Thankfully I was able to catch a few hours sleep in the confines of Ryan's VW bus, but there were moments last night where I really felt like a street bum. It was an interesting experience.

To make a long story short, Steve, Ash, Ryan, Andrew, and I each walked away with a pair of tickets to the show. I'd say it was well worth it, for what was in fact a highly enjoyable night.

I haven't done anything that spontaneous and fun for a long time.

So.......who wants my second ticket?
_____________________________________________________________

Why don't you listen to:

The Postal Service - Give Up

Eva Cassidy - Songbird

2003-08-17T19:25:00.000-07:00
A sudden realization:

Directors Kevin Smith and Peter Jackson = twins separated at birth

I'll let you decide which one got the talent...
______________________________________________________

tunes: Anti Records sampler

2003-08-15T20:01:00.000-07:00
Would you rather be good, or would you rather be right?
_____________________________________________________________

Tomorrow my ex-girlfriend is getting married.

_____________________________________________________________

Do Re Mi karaoke has gone downhill fo' shizza.

_____________________________________________________________

The bathtub at my house was a big hit.

_____________________________________________________________

"The truth is a virus."

(we watched "Pump Up the Volume" at my movie night)

_____________________________________________________________

Jo Polkki's birthday gathering?

Sooooooooooooo fun!

werd.