1.) Anyone else think The Primitives "Crash" should have played throughout the end credits of Crash (2004)? It'd have been funny, and perhaps we'd like something about the movie then.
2.) I just recognized there aren't many words with three Us in them. Isn't that unusual?
3.) Anyone else underwhelmed by the films currently out? Will the movie season get any better? Eh. I'm eagerly anticipating I'm Not There (2007) because you know how I hate the conventional biopic; Control (2007) because it's about Joy Division and I want to see how it compares to 24 Hour Party People (2002); and Atonement (2007) because... well, for obvious reasons.
4.) I came out as queer to a class I was teaching, about the diversity of LGBT people, cultures, and issues. My fellow Q&A panelists weren't expecting it, but I don't think they were shocked.
5.) I don't want to wait till next fuckin' summer for the second season of "Mad Men" (2007-present). Tuesday means the season finale of the other show I have been committed to watching since its premiere: "Damages" (2007-present). 'Bout time. It's a bit too drawn out. But I like it.
6.) "Pushing Daisies" (2007-present) is too cute for words. I want the complete series of "Wonderfalls" (2004) on DVD. Right now.
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Friday, October 19, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
if you can hear me, you're listening
On Monday, I spent five hours in my local public library. I needed to get out of the house for the sake of my sanity. My happiness even. As you probably already know, the work round the house has been very time- and energy-consuming. I think it's about time it stopped. Others seem to disagree. That's one of the many reasons I had to get out of the house and find something more personally constructive to do.
Funny thing is, I worked at one of those cubicle desks. I mean, I've never been a fan of those. I always thought I would feel really claustrophobic, essentially boxed in on three sides. But I wasn't. And it was incredibly quiet in that room. So many people came and went but hardly made a peep. I only noticed them if they slipped into my peripheral vision.
I started the hours in the library by writing in my film journal about five films. Then I started looking over stuff about grad school. In the end, I did a lot of preliminary brainstorming for grad school applications, even with the help of the very basic chapters on grad school in my GRE review book. One bit of advice in that book inspired me to really think about "the accomplishments that best demonstrate [my] abilities."
Obviously, I wrote about being selected for the university exchange program and subsequently studying abroad at Lancaster University. But then I wandered onto thinking about something else I have done: host a radio program. I never reflected so much on that experience as I did on Monday, and quite articulately and eloquently, I must say. Now I'm just embarrassed. And I probably won't be able to use any of it.
In my stream-of-consciousness notes, I admitted that it was an unconventional accomplishment to demonstrate my abilities, but it allowed me to express myself in a new way--almost anonymously, with no idea of what impact it made on the days or lives of other people, with unfamiliar technology. More than this though, I recognized in hindsight just how the radio show represents the site where many of my interests converged: music, film, personal vs. collective history/memory, place. Not to mention, "I see [the show] as an extension of me that I put out into the world, and I'm so glad I did put myself out there--in at least one way."
At the top of the page, I wrote that these words that flew out of my mind and splattered on the paper constituted "the most surprising--and perhaps most useless--thing I did today." I wouldn't call it useless now. After all, it helped me see that often boring and tedious experience from my life in a new light.
Funny thing is, I worked at one of those cubicle desks. I mean, I've never been a fan of those. I always thought I would feel really claustrophobic, essentially boxed in on three sides. But I wasn't. And it was incredibly quiet in that room. So many people came and went but hardly made a peep. I only noticed them if they slipped into my peripheral vision.
I started the hours in the library by writing in my film journal about five films. Then I started looking over stuff about grad school. In the end, I did a lot of preliminary brainstorming for grad school applications, even with the help of the very basic chapters on grad school in my GRE review book. One bit of advice in that book inspired me to really think about "the accomplishments that best demonstrate [my] abilities."
Obviously, I wrote about being selected for the university exchange program and subsequently studying abroad at Lancaster University. But then I wandered onto thinking about something else I have done: host a radio program. I never reflected so much on that experience as I did on Monday, and quite articulately and eloquently, I must say. Now I'm just embarrassed. And I probably won't be able to use any of it.
In my stream-of-consciousness notes, I admitted that it was an unconventional accomplishment to demonstrate my abilities, but it allowed me to express myself in a new way--almost anonymously, with no idea of what impact it made on the days or lives of other people, with unfamiliar technology. More than this though, I recognized in hindsight just how the radio show represents the site where many of my interests converged: music, film, personal vs. collective history/memory, place. Not to mention, "I see [the show] as an extension of me that I put out into the world, and I'm so glad I did put myself out there--in at least one way."
At the top of the page, I wrote that these words that flew out of my mind and splattered on the paper constituted "the most surprising--and perhaps most useless--thing I did today." I wouldn't call it useless now. After all, it helped me see that often boring and tedious experience from my life in a new light.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
do you see it, too?
Just watched Time to Leave (2005). It was the first time Melvil Poupaud reminded me of Gavin Rossdale, my first rock star crush. I dunno how to describe it, but it's something in the shape of their mouths and jaws. In any case, as I have matured, my tastes in men have changed. Thus, I find Melvil much more attractive than I find Gavin now. I don't even think about Gavin anymore. Besides, it doesn't hurt that Melvil's also French.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
as corny as it sounds
I wish someone would say to me, "We belong together. Like traffic and weather." Like traffic and weather.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
p.s. if you've got the time
Watch cute comedian Demetri Martin act out "Selfish Jean," the new single from Travis. For me, the strangest thing about watching this video was that I once imagined a word-for-word interpretation of "Flowers in the Window" before I saw the band's actual video, the one of them stranded in a town populated only by heavily pregnant women. Yeah, I liked my idea better, too, but it's too difficult to describe. It's more difficult to describe than the band being "stranded in a town populated only by heavily pregnant women."
Monday, June 25, 2007
i didn't consent to this
I just saw a commercial for the new wireless network. Instead of giving you the name of the company, I will just say that the one that was absorbed into the other lost its name but kept the Tucci. In any case, they used the instrumental of "Age of Consent." Made me cry. Not because the commercial was good, but because one of my favorite New Order songs was used in a commercial.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
once more with feeling
Why didn't anyone ever notice this? The score for Gladiator (2000) in the fight sequences sounds a lot like that of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Only it's more forceful in the Johnny Depp vehicles. Hans Zimmer, you shouldn't do a Thomas Newman and recycle your scores. I understand with so many credits to your name, it gets a bit difficult to be truly original, but c'mon.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
this is why i go to the cinema every week
I just read an article in the NY Times about a new electronic product that hopes to take the living room by storm: Vudu. Unlike Apple TV, it blocks out the middle man (meaning your computer) and makes movies available for purchase via your TV so that you may view them directly on your TV. Sounds like pay-per-view to me, but I understand that once you've bought the film--from any number of the major participating studios--it's saved in the box for repeated viewing later on.
I have to say that I don't like that technology is becoming more and more personal and mobile. You see this with people glued to their iPods and YouTube and Myspace and Facebook. You see this as they download movies and TV shows and music online, most notably via iTunes. Netflix is different because I have always seen it as an alternative to renting from a video store, especially the evil Blockbuster. But don't get me wrong, Netflix has its problems, too.
The point is, as entertainment becomes more attainable through the Internet, pretty soon we will not buy the physical DVDs (hi-def or not) and CDs. I for one really enjoy having the tangible product, especially since with CDs, they generally come with liner notes and artwork. Will movies purchased through the Internet come with all the extras? Remember that's one of the features that got us excited about DVDs in the first place. And I still think people prefer to explore them if they like a movie enough to know about its production, for example, through an audio commentary. As for music, pretty soon we won't know what our favorite bands look like unless they're big enough to have music videos played on MTV. Nevermind. There's always YouTube and/or their own websites, but this is not enough.
I haven't even touched on how this affects the movie-going experience itself. I don't really need to because we all know that the box office has suffered a lot these past few years. Piracy, YouTube, Myspace, Facebook have all captured young people's attention and they're going less and less to the theatres. This summer promises to be packed with blockbusters that will bring people back, which is unfortunate for me because I could care less about all of them. What will I watch instead?
I've said this before, but film is an experience, and to share stories with friends and strangers in a dark room is probably one of the most bizarre things one can do, but we're all so used to it. Why give that up?
What about those movies that are released (almost) simultaneously in the theatres, on something like pay-per-view, and on DVD? I hate to say this but I am more inclined to rent those on DVD than pay more money for either of the two other options. I understand this is a way to get people to see a movie the way they want, but I think it damages a film's integrity. Call me old-fashioned but movies are supposed to come out in theatres and then enter the home. If I were interested enough in a film, I would go see it in the theatre. For instance, I would see Diggers (2006) in the theatre if it weren't coming to DVD as well. I understand others are not like me, but who says we have to cater so much to this "me me me" culture? Oh right. It's all about money, but it's cutting people off from each other (sorry, but networking sites prove you don't need to know someone in real life in order to call them your friend).
Isn't this something to lament about?
I have to say that I don't like that technology is becoming more and more personal and mobile. You see this with people glued to their iPods and YouTube and Myspace and Facebook. You see this as they download movies and TV shows and music online, most notably via iTunes. Netflix is different because I have always seen it as an alternative to renting from a video store, especially the evil Blockbuster. But don't get me wrong, Netflix has its problems, too.
The point is, as entertainment becomes more attainable through the Internet, pretty soon we will not buy the physical DVDs (hi-def or not) and CDs. I for one really enjoy having the tangible product, especially since with CDs, they generally come with liner notes and artwork. Will movies purchased through the Internet come with all the extras? Remember that's one of the features that got us excited about DVDs in the first place. And I still think people prefer to explore them if they like a movie enough to know about its production, for example, through an audio commentary. As for music, pretty soon we won't know what our favorite bands look like unless they're big enough to have music videos played on MTV. Nevermind. There's always YouTube and/or their own websites, but this is not enough.
I haven't even touched on how this affects the movie-going experience itself. I don't really need to because we all know that the box office has suffered a lot these past few years. Piracy, YouTube, Myspace, Facebook have all captured young people's attention and they're going less and less to the theatres. This summer promises to be packed with blockbusters that will bring people back, which is unfortunate for me because I could care less about all of them. What will I watch instead?
I've said this before, but film is an experience, and to share stories with friends and strangers in a dark room is probably one of the most bizarre things one can do, but we're all so used to it. Why give that up?
What about those movies that are released (almost) simultaneously in the theatres, on something like pay-per-view, and on DVD? I hate to say this but I am more inclined to rent those on DVD than pay more money for either of the two other options. I understand this is a way to get people to see a movie the way they want, but I think it damages a film's integrity. Call me old-fashioned but movies are supposed to come out in theatres and then enter the home. If I were interested enough in a film, I would go see it in the theatre. For instance, I would see Diggers (2006) in the theatre if it weren't coming to DVD as well. I understand others are not like me, but who says we have to cater so much to this "me me me" culture? Oh right. It's all about money, but it's cutting people off from each other (sorry, but networking sites prove you don't need to know someone in real life in order to call them your friend).
Isn't this something to lament about?
Monday, April 30, 2007
hello, my name is rob gordon
Right now, my top five 80s songs:
1.) Electronic: "Getting Away With It" (1989)
2.) The Go-Betweens: "Cattle and Cane" (1983)
3.) U2: "I Will Follow" (1980)
4.) Haircut 100: "Love Plus One" (1982)
5.) Squeeze: "If I Didn't Love You" (1980)
Honorable Mentions:
6.) The Smiths: "Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others" (1986)
7.) Duran Duran: "My Own Way" (1981)
8.) The Clash: "Train in Vain" (1979; yeah, right on the cusp)
1.) Electronic: "Getting Away With It" (1989)
2.) The Go-Betweens: "Cattle and Cane" (1983)
3.) U2: "I Will Follow" (1980)
4.) Haircut 100: "Love Plus One" (1982)
5.) Squeeze: "If I Didn't Love You" (1980)
Honorable Mentions:
6.) The Smiths: "Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others" (1986)
7.) Duran Duran: "My Own Way" (1981)
8.) The Clash: "Train in Vain" (1979; yeah, right on the cusp)
Friday, April 27, 2007
employees of the month
OK. I said somewhere that I am not going to L.A. this summer because the full-menu DQ no longer exists. I've changed my mind. I'll go just to find this Eagle Rock supermarket:
The video is good, as are all of theirs. Very funny. Wish Ben Stiller weren't in it because I can't stand his guts. But he's apparently a big fan, so at least he's got good taste in music.
Favorite bits:
1.) The woman's reaction to Dougie's mistreatment of her groceries. Also the look he gives her for buying some weird thing that looks like a mandrake to me.
2.) Neil shooting the price tags onto the products. Oh, and after he's done dancing with that old, scary woman, how they say goodbye.
3.) The reference to Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). I'm guessing it's the first one (it could easily be the second?), but it doesn't matter. I distinctly remember one of Jones's students painting "I Love You" across her eyelids and flashing them at him during class. Back when Harrison Ford was sexy. But this is neither here nor there.
What doesn't make sense:
1.) Why is Dougie the only one to play an instrument?
2.) Don't actually believe the rest would be friends with Andy's character. He's such a Tracy Flick.
I read too much into things.
The video is good, as are all of theirs. Very funny. Wish Ben Stiller weren't in it because I can't stand his guts. But he's apparently a big fan, so at least he's got good taste in music.
Favorite bits:
1.) The woman's reaction to Dougie's mistreatment of her groceries. Also the look he gives her for buying some weird thing that looks like a mandrake to me.
2.) Neil shooting the price tags onto the products. Oh, and after he's done dancing with that old, scary woman, how they say goodbye.
3.) The reference to Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). I'm guessing it's the first one (it could easily be the second?), but it doesn't matter. I distinctly remember one of Jones's students painting "I Love You" across her eyelids and flashing them at him during class. Back when Harrison Ford was sexy. But this is neither here nor there.
What doesn't make sense:
1.) Why is Dougie the only one to play an instrument?
2.) Don't actually believe the rest would be friends with Andy's character. He's such a Tracy Flick.
I read too much into things.
Friday, April 20, 2007
the envelope with no return address
I've been waiting to hear back from a scholarship to see who won it. Of course, I'm rooting for myself. So I was a bit disappointed not to find anything from the scholarship committee today. Instead, I got a mysterious envelope from London. With what felt like postcards in it.
While I was picking up my mail in the porters lodge, a friendly American neighbor was there, too. I told her how strange it was that I've gotten this. "I just have to know what this is!" I opened it up and Fran, Neil, Andy, and Dougie were smiling at me, reminding me that I really should go to their concert in Manchester in May (especially if I don't go to Berlin). "Travis sent me something."
"Oh, you're friends with Travis?" I have no idea if she was seriously referring to an individual called Travis or was referring to the band.
"Oh, yeah. We go way back," I said.
While I was picking up my mail in the porters lodge, a friendly American neighbor was there, too. I told her how strange it was that I've gotten this. "I just have to know what this is!" I opened it up and Fran, Neil, Andy, and Dougie were smiling at me, reminding me that I really should go to their concert in Manchester in May (especially if I don't go to Berlin). "Travis sent me something."
"Oh, you're friends with Travis?" I have no idea if she was seriously referring to an individual called Travis or was referring to the band.
"Oh, yeah. We go way back," I said.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
i'm keeping it safe for someone else
You know, when I was going through withdrawal for not being able to listen to RadioIO80s and I was really not liking my other options, I would go through the iTunes libraries of my neighbors. Most like a whole range of musical genres. Most do not have all the albums of the bands they like. Some only have the singles. Some actually do have British bands in their collection, which I was relieved to find out.
Of all of this new music available to me, I only played one song from time to time: The Zutons' "Why Won't You Give Me Your Love?" I'd seen the video before and fell in love with the song then. I like their other stuff (I'd seen them support The Thrills in D.C. a few years ago, too). Should buy the records for myself.
I've embedded the video here for your viewing pleasure. It's fantastically cinematic, tipping its hat to West Side Story (1961), Grease (1978), A Clockwork Orange (1971), and Gladiator (2000). But before watching it just now, whenever I'd listen to the song, I wouldn't imagine the video per se. I'd imagine some vague new (or is it nouvelle?) movie plot. I need to think about it some more, but I think this song can inspire an idea for a screenplay for me. Isn't that a strange thing to happen upon?
Of all of this new music available to me, I only played one song from time to time: The Zutons' "Why Won't You Give Me Your Love?" I'd seen the video before and fell in love with the song then. I like their other stuff (I'd seen them support The Thrills in D.C. a few years ago, too). Should buy the records for myself.
I've embedded the video here for your viewing pleasure. It's fantastically cinematic, tipping its hat to West Side Story (1961), Grease (1978), A Clockwork Orange (1971), and Gladiator (2000). But before watching it just now, whenever I'd listen to the song, I wouldn't imagine the video per se. I'd imagine some vague new (or is it nouvelle?) movie plot. I need to think about it some more, but I think this song can inspire an idea for a screenplay for me. Isn't that a strange thing to happen upon?
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
welcome home
Animal Collective came on. I couldn't take it anymore. I went to investigate whether or not I could get RadioIO80s from the station's website. Yes, and to cut a short story even shorter: I'm even streaming it in iTunes. Thank. Fuckin'. God. I feel so much better, more at ease. There's nothing better than (most of) this music.
Now I have a different kind of situation. I was planning on actually *gasp* leaving my floor today. It'd be the first time since Friday. Now that I have my station back, I don't want to leave just yet. I need to get out of here, though. RadioIO80s will still be here.
Going.
Now I have a different kind of situation. I was planning on actually *gasp* leaving my floor today. It'd be the first time since Friday. Now that I have my station back, I don't want to leave just yet. I need to get out of here, though. RadioIO80s will still be here.
Going.
Monday, April 16, 2007
we decided not to name our band
As you know, I've been listening to RadioIOEdge, the indie station. I've written down quite a few names of songs that I have enjoyed. In general, I think this mix is a bit pretentious. I can't describe it exactly, but so many are too "indie" for their own good. You know that stigma against "emo"? I think there's a similar one against these bands. But I haven't blogged to talk about that.
What I do want to comment on is some of the most ridiculous band names I have ever heard. It seems to me that bands no longer want to name themselves nouns. The Beatles. Stone Roses. The Thrills. Whatever. Now bands are moving toward names that are--get this--whole sentences.
Cases in point:
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (more like a run-on, really)
I'm from Barcelona (no hint of a Spanish accent)
Pretty Girls Make Graves (I take offense as a Smiths fan because this new band sucks)
And my favorite:
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin (Doesn't that just make you feel better?)
I even encountered a band labeled "!!!!" I thought, this cannot be their name. Try Googling it. It will be the only time you search for something that comes up with absolutely no hits. That doesn't bode well for the band, now does it?
By the way, the title of this blog post is a name of a band I just made up.
What I do want to comment on is some of the most ridiculous band names I have ever heard. It seems to me that bands no longer want to name themselves nouns. The Beatles. Stone Roses. The Thrills. Whatever. Now bands are moving toward names that are--get this--whole sentences.
Cases in point:
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (more like a run-on, really)
I'm from Barcelona (no hint of a Spanish accent)
Pretty Girls Make Graves (I take offense as a Smiths fan because this new band sucks)
And my favorite:
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin (Doesn't that just make you feel better?)
I even encountered a band labeled "!!!!" I thought, this cannot be their name. Try Googling it. It will be the only time you search for something that comes up with absolutely no hits. That doesn't bode well for the band, now does it?
By the way, the title of this blog post is a name of a band I just made up.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
i was looking for salvation
Fuck RadioIO80s. I recently heard Jay call it "RadioIO80sPop." This makes sense since RadioIO80sPop is no longer listed as available. This means they got rid of RadioIO80s because I was the only person who listened to it. What I don't understand is why they didn't just get rid of RadioIO80s from the list. It's a bit confusing, no?
Well, I had wandered onto RadioIO90s and it's just awful. I'd say I didn't recognize about 50 percent of the bands and songs played. The stream host, whose name I do not know because I hadn't spent as much time with him as I have with Jay, must have really liked 311 because that was the only band that was ever repeated. And all their shit sounds the same to me, anyway.
Where am I now?
RadioIOEdge. I suppose it's their indie station. So far it's pretty good. I'm going to stay here for awhile, but I have to tell you that the mumbling radio one of my neighbors (the only one I truly dislike) is blasting is driving me mad. I can't even tell you what language it is in. I think I need to get out of here, anyway.
Please, I don't want to be miserable anymore!
Well, I had wandered onto RadioIO90s and it's just awful. I'd say I didn't recognize about 50 percent of the bands and songs played. The stream host, whose name I do not know because I hadn't spent as much time with him as I have with Jay, must have really liked 311 because that was the only band that was ever repeated. And all their shit sounds the same to me, anyway.
Where am I now?
RadioIOEdge. I suppose it's their indie station. So far it's pretty good. I'm going to stay here for awhile, but I have to tell you that the mumbling radio one of my neighbors (the only one I truly dislike) is blasting is driving me mad. I can't even tell you what language it is in. I think I need to get out of here, anyway.
Please, I don't want to be miserable anymore!
Monday, April 9, 2007
memories flood in like sound waves
I need to stop listening to RadioIO80s. Will you help me? 'Cuz I need to work on my essay on the narrative perspective of "The Metamorphosis." I was convinced that I had writer's block, but I realized just before falling asleep at 1.10 pm today that what I have now will work for the paper. But what have I done? I've napped and listened to RadioIO80s, which now only plays some of the worst 80s music. But I've also regained my youth.
1.) Earlier, Starship's "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" was playing. All of a sudden, I had a flashback and I accurately remembered Mannequin 2: On the Move (1991), but the song was written for the first one with Andrew McCarthy and Kim Cattrall. But it's in the second, which I spent a lot of time watching over and over. Thus I was at once impressed with my skills (read: memory) and horrified by it all.
2.) "The Final Countdown" by Europe. I thought I was remembering Rocky IV (1985) or something like that, but in fact I was really just recalling GOB's theme. It was playing when he sank the family yacht.
3.) Now it's a song by Rick Astley that I don't remember at all ("Move Right Out"). But I remember him: his voice, his dark suits that were always WAY too big for him, my cousin's enthusiasm for his music. She liked Barry Manilow, too. Still might, for all I know.
Get this: Whenever I publish a blog, Jay does something that makes me have to write again. This time, he's gone and played Phil Collins. I should just kill myself right here, right now.
1.) Earlier, Starship's "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" was playing. All of a sudden, I had a flashback and I accurately remembered Mannequin 2: On the Move (1991), but the song was written for the first one with Andrew McCarthy and Kim Cattrall. But it's in the second, which I spent a lot of time watching over and over. Thus I was at once impressed with my skills (read: memory) and horrified by it all.
2.) "The Final Countdown" by Europe. I thought I was remembering Rocky IV (1985) or something like that, but in fact I was really just recalling GOB's theme. It was playing when he sank the family yacht.
3.) Now it's a song by Rick Astley that I don't remember at all ("Move Right Out"). But I remember him: his voice, his dark suits that were always WAY too big for him, my cousin's enthusiasm for his music. She liked Barry Manilow, too. Still might, for all I know.
Get this: Whenever I publish a blog, Jay does something that makes me have to write again. This time, he's gone and played Phil Collins. I should just kill myself right here, right now.
Saturday, April 7, 2007
wtf? and omg!
How was "Go Insane" possibly Lindsey Buckingham and NOT Wham! or George Michael?
Oh, and if only the commercials on RadioIO80s would change!
And now Rod Stewart's "Some Guys Have All the Luck" is playing. Reminds me of a little version I did when I was little ("some guys have long penises"). I got in a lot of trouble for it after my sister suggested I sing and dance it in front of my dad.
Memories, memories.
Oh, and if only the commercials on RadioIO80s would change!
And now Rod Stewart's "Some Guys Have All the Luck" is playing. Reminds me of a little version I did when I was little ("some guys have long penises"). I got in a lot of trouble for it after my sister suggested I sing and dance it in front of my dad.
Memories, memories.
my world's turned upside down
I don't know what to do now. I feel like Howard Stern in Private Parts (1997) once the radio station he's been working at in Detroit or some place has turned country. RadioIO80s no longer plays new wave. I knew something was up once stream host Jay Cumbie started playing the Producers, who I get confused with bands like the Hooters and the Tubes. (However, I should note that these last two bands were played from time to time on MY RadioIO80s.)
Now I doubt I will ever hear the likes of the Smiths, the Jam, the Clash, Joy Division or New Order even. I'm now in the company of Don Johnson, Hall & Oates, Lionel Richie, and some guy called Gerald Levert (of "Casanova" fame, apparently). It's like any other easy listening channel minus Roxette, Ace of Base, Cher, and Gloria Estefan. The only respite I've had this morning is "Rock Steady" by the Whispers (grew up with that song) and, forgive me for saying this: Thompson Twins ("Doctor Doctor").
Oh god. "Break My Stride" by Matthew Wilder is on right now. Maybe my dad would like this change...
Now I doubt I will ever hear the likes of the Smiths, the Jam, the Clash, Joy Division or New Order even. I'm now in the company of Don Johnson, Hall & Oates, Lionel Richie, and some guy called Gerald Levert (of "Casanova" fame, apparently). It's like any other easy listening channel minus Roxette, Ace of Base, Cher, and Gloria Estefan. The only respite I've had this morning is "Rock Steady" by the Whispers (grew up with that song) and, forgive me for saying this: Thompson Twins ("Doctor Doctor").
Oh god. "Break My Stride" by Matthew Wilder is on right now. Maybe my dad would like this change...
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
happy birthday johnny borrell
Before I took a three-hour-long nap this evening, I had been awake for 34 hours straight. I'm still very tired and I suspect I will take it very easy tomorrow so as to recover.
I'm not going to recount everything that happened in Manchester. I will say I got lost once but that was just while getting my bearings after having to exit from Piccadilly Station rather than Oxford Road. I heard at Cornerhouse, where I saw The Namesake (2006), that there was a bomb threat/scare. This troubled me because I recalled the Arndale IRA bombing of 1996. Yesterday was the first time in the UK I ever felt worried about where I was. I didn't feel well watching a movie in a basement.
I went to Manchester to see Razorlight in concert, as you know. I am not very familiar with their music, but I do have their first record. The concert was at MEN Arena and I hadn't been to an arena-scale concert in forever. It reminded me of the very first concert I ever went to: Bush. (Don't ask.)
Last night was filled with contradictions. I enjoyed the concert very much; I finally had some fun! We didn't know how many supporting acts there would be or just who they were even, so it really was quite exciting to see it unfold in front of us. Mohair was the first band but I wasn't too crazy about them. Then Pull Tiger Tail came on, and I much preferred them (they were also sexier). I should look up each band's music because I am of the persuasion that believes that seeing a band in concert does not mean that I'll like the recording. I mean, when the vocals are not equal to the instruments' noise, you cannot really hear the vocals. The singer may sound "annoying," and this would only be obvious on the album. Anyway, will look them up. I suggest you do, too. Especially Pull Tiger Tail (what a ridiculous name).
I had grown tired halfway through Razorlight's set. It didn't help that I was also holding my bladder. But once I relieved that upon leaving the venue with thousands of other people, I became hyper and obnoxious. Leaving, we actually passed members of the first two bands signing merchandise. I was so wound-up that I said "hi!" to the lead singer of Mohair as he walked past. He didn't hear me because I probably wasn't loud enough. I should have said, "Your set just kept getting better and better!" This is not untrue; it just leaves out the fact that it wasn't very good at the start.
Then I sat in the kitchen with my friends Lisa and Denise, chitchatting away until 1.45 am. On the way back to the hostel, Lisa had bought a copy of Q Magazine with Razorlight frontman Johnny Borrell on the cover, topless and looking a bit like Mick Jagger and Jim Morrison. We found out from Q that today, the 4th, is his 27th birthday. And he didn't even mention it to us. Surprising because he is sooo into himself.
In any case, I put my head down at 2.10 am but never lost consciousness. People were already asleep by the time I got into bed, so I'm not exactly sure to whom I can attribute each strange behavior. You see, I could never get to sleep because of these weird noises. One guy was snoring AND moaning. It was a sort of hybrid. Another (or it could be the same guy, and I think it was) spurted out trios of farts every so often. Two others had your run-of-the-mill snores. Another spontaneously woke himself up now and again, saying something in a language I could not readily identify. I slept on the top bunk, above some guy who reeked of smoke and B.O. when he got in at 3 am. And he snored. It was terribly unpleasant. Especially since I otherwise really liked this hostel. It was VERY clean, very quiet, and very well-situated. (Although I must say I did not like the showers as you could see right through them and there was no area to change.)
In summation about most of the nine other people I shared a room with last night, I thought: "These people should never sleep in public." I don't understand how some--such as my friend Lisa (who, I might add, never made a peep!)--could sleep through it!
At 6.40 am, I finally stopped rolling around. I got dressed and watched "Breakfast" on BBC 1 where I witnessed firsthand Lee Ingleby's sexiness. He was promoting the BBC 1 drama "George Gently" with co-star Martin Shaw. Other than this nice blip, I really just heard all the top news stories over and over for a few hours. Then I headed out to Urbis. Learned some new things thanks to a private tour (a bored docent walked straight up to me, Denise, and Denise's friend who met us at the hostel just before, and asked if she could lead us around). Learned more about how the building/site relates to that part of downtown. Also more about the architecture and architect himself, Ian Simpson, who clearly has democratic ideals in mind while designing but likes to hole up in the poshest parts of his designs like any pure elitist.
I was afraid there wasn't anything new since the last time I went there. But this was fortunately untrue. "Play" was pretty damn cool even if kids were fooling around with the interactive exhibits. It was basically about people reclaiming urban spaces and subverting practices and prejudices that are so closely regulated. For instance, there were playful uses of irony in temporary graffiti art that was, in some cases, quite inspirational. In the snow, one artist had inscribed something to the effect of "My mum told me to stay at home. Did I listen? Hell no!" and "Listen kids, graffiti destroyed my life." There's guerrilla gardening in some parts of the world, too, where people meet up late at night and plant flowers and such in public areas. This reminded me of Joe's Apartment (1996). Despite looking like something for kids (with a title like that...), it was really rather good.
Also good was the exhibit on Hong Kong's contemporary art trying to reconcile some historical and cultural issues within and outside itself. The exhibit is an event to help mark the 10-year anniversary of Hong Kong's switching over from British to Chinese control. This exhibit was there the last time I was at Urbis, but I didn't get to see it because we ran out of time.
Unfortunately, Urbis will have two exhibits starting in the summer that I will miss: "The Best of Manchester" and "The Hacienda." That pisses me right off.
Next I went to the Manchester Art Gallery and was utterly underwhelmed. The wonderful space that had once housed the Joe Colombo exhibit that had amused me so much I wrote a paper about him was now sparingly decorated for an exhibit about contemporary international artists' use of Cold War sci-fi themes to make statements about race and difference. Almost absolutely no (con)text. And there really wasn't much of an emphasis on a/an (inter)national context, but they showed movie posters of American films in local languages such as Polish and Italian. They looked the same as the American posters for the same films. What does this say? The curators don't even attempt to answer this question. Will say that I loved the richly painted orange walls. So was "Alien Nation."
And then I went home.
I'm not going to recount everything that happened in Manchester. I will say I got lost once but that was just while getting my bearings after having to exit from Piccadilly Station rather than Oxford Road. I heard at Cornerhouse, where I saw The Namesake (2006), that there was a bomb threat/scare. This troubled me because I recalled the Arndale IRA bombing of 1996. Yesterday was the first time in the UK I ever felt worried about where I was. I didn't feel well watching a movie in a basement.
I went to Manchester to see Razorlight in concert, as you know. I am not very familiar with their music, but I do have their first record. The concert was at MEN Arena and I hadn't been to an arena-scale concert in forever. It reminded me of the very first concert I ever went to: Bush. (Don't ask.)
Last night was filled with contradictions. I enjoyed the concert very much; I finally had some fun! We didn't know how many supporting acts there would be or just who they were even, so it really was quite exciting to see it unfold in front of us. Mohair was the first band but I wasn't too crazy about them. Then Pull Tiger Tail came on, and I much preferred them (they were also sexier). I should look up each band's music because I am of the persuasion that believes that seeing a band in concert does not mean that I'll like the recording. I mean, when the vocals are not equal to the instruments' noise, you cannot really hear the vocals. The singer may sound "annoying," and this would only be obvious on the album. Anyway, will look them up. I suggest you do, too. Especially Pull Tiger Tail (what a ridiculous name).
I had grown tired halfway through Razorlight's set. It didn't help that I was also holding my bladder. But once I relieved that upon leaving the venue with thousands of other people, I became hyper and obnoxious. Leaving, we actually passed members of the first two bands signing merchandise. I was so wound-up that I said "hi!" to the lead singer of Mohair as he walked past. He didn't hear me because I probably wasn't loud enough. I should have said, "Your set just kept getting better and better!" This is not untrue; it just leaves out the fact that it wasn't very good at the start.
Then I sat in the kitchen with my friends Lisa and Denise, chitchatting away until 1.45 am. On the way back to the hostel, Lisa had bought a copy of Q Magazine with Razorlight frontman Johnny Borrell on the cover, topless and looking a bit like Mick Jagger and Jim Morrison. We found out from Q that today, the 4th, is his 27th birthday. And he didn't even mention it to us. Surprising because he is sooo into himself.
In any case, I put my head down at 2.10 am but never lost consciousness. People were already asleep by the time I got into bed, so I'm not exactly sure to whom I can attribute each strange behavior. You see, I could never get to sleep because of these weird noises. One guy was snoring AND moaning. It was a sort of hybrid. Another (or it could be the same guy, and I think it was) spurted out trios of farts every so often. Two others had your run-of-the-mill snores. Another spontaneously woke himself up now and again, saying something in a language I could not readily identify. I slept on the top bunk, above some guy who reeked of smoke and B.O. when he got in at 3 am. And he snored. It was terribly unpleasant. Especially since I otherwise really liked this hostel. It was VERY clean, very quiet, and very well-situated. (Although I must say I did not like the showers as you could see right through them and there was no area to change.)
In summation about most of the nine other people I shared a room with last night, I thought: "These people should never sleep in public." I don't understand how some--such as my friend Lisa (who, I might add, never made a peep!)--could sleep through it!
At 6.40 am, I finally stopped rolling around. I got dressed and watched "Breakfast" on BBC 1 where I witnessed firsthand Lee Ingleby's sexiness. He was promoting the BBC 1 drama "George Gently" with co-star Martin Shaw. Other than this nice blip, I really just heard all the top news stories over and over for a few hours. Then I headed out to Urbis. Learned some new things thanks to a private tour (a bored docent walked straight up to me, Denise, and Denise's friend who met us at the hostel just before, and asked if she could lead us around). Learned more about how the building/site relates to that part of downtown. Also more about the architecture and architect himself, Ian Simpson, who clearly has democratic ideals in mind while designing but likes to hole up in the poshest parts of his designs like any pure elitist.
I was afraid there wasn't anything new since the last time I went there. But this was fortunately untrue. "Play" was pretty damn cool even if kids were fooling around with the interactive exhibits. It was basically about people reclaiming urban spaces and subverting practices and prejudices that are so closely regulated. For instance, there were playful uses of irony in temporary graffiti art that was, in some cases, quite inspirational. In the snow, one artist had inscribed something to the effect of "My mum told me to stay at home. Did I listen? Hell no!" and "Listen kids, graffiti destroyed my life." There's guerrilla gardening in some parts of the world, too, where people meet up late at night and plant flowers and such in public areas. This reminded me of Joe's Apartment (1996). Despite looking like something for kids (with a title like that...), it was really rather good.
Also good was the exhibit on Hong Kong's contemporary art trying to reconcile some historical and cultural issues within and outside itself. The exhibit is an event to help mark the 10-year anniversary of Hong Kong's switching over from British to Chinese control. This exhibit was there the last time I was at Urbis, but I didn't get to see it because we ran out of time.
Unfortunately, Urbis will have two exhibits starting in the summer that I will miss: "The Best of Manchester" and "The Hacienda." That pisses me right off.
Next I went to the Manchester Art Gallery and was utterly underwhelmed. The wonderful space that had once housed the Joe Colombo exhibit that had amused me so much I wrote a paper about him was now sparingly decorated for an exhibit about contemporary international artists' use of Cold War sci-fi themes to make statements about race and difference. Almost absolutely no (con)text. And there really wasn't much of an emphasis on a/an (inter)national context, but they showed movie posters of American films in local languages such as Polish and Italian. They looked the same as the American posters for the same films. What does this say? The curators don't even attempt to answer this question. Will say that I loved the richly painted orange walls. So was "Alien Nation."
And then I went home.
Monday, March 26, 2007
ain't it the truth?
For the record [pun intended], the following was not written by me, but by Paul Heaton and Dave Rotheray of the Beautiful South. I just heard "I Love You (But You're Boring)" on RadioIO80s. Hey, apparently they've also got a song called "I Hate You (But You're Interesting)." And instead of taking the lyrics out of context, I thought I would post them here in full because they're FANTASTIC:
Birds are singing in the trees
As we rise up on a beautiful morning
But I can't hear
That beautiful sound
Because I'm permanently yawning
What about the time of the fancy dress
When you came dressed as your mum
And there I was splendid in my penguin suit
So scared to show my bill
You must have been listening to your Carousel
Your Carousel, that Carousel
Remember the time
When I turned the house into a rocket ship
And you refused to come to Mars
You said "It's too far"
You had to be back by six to watch your Carousel
Saturn's much too far
You had to watch Carousel (What's going on in there?)
When we first met
I asked you for your hand
I didn't really mean that hand
I meant join hands
Bake phallic cake (Bake phallic cake)
Carry round sticky tape
And love those devil dogs
Be an Indian elephant (Be an Indian elephant)
Bait straight people
But you must have missed my wink
You must have missed my wink
(I love you,
But you're boring, you know,
I really do love you
But you're so particularly boring)
Maybe you were too busy listening to Carousel
watching Carousel, living Carousel
You were listening to Carousel
You were watching Carousel
Birds are singing in the trees
As we rise up on a beautiful morning
But I can't hear
That beautiful sound
Because I'm permanently yawning
What about the time of the fancy dress
When you came dressed as your mum
And there I was splendid in my penguin suit
So scared to show my bill
You must have been listening to your Carousel
Your Carousel, that Carousel
Remember the time
When I turned the house into a rocket ship
And you refused to come to Mars
You said "It's too far"
You had to be back by six to watch your Carousel
Saturn's much too far
You had to watch Carousel (What's going on in there?)
When we first met
I asked you for your hand
I didn't really mean that hand
I meant join hands
Bake phallic cake (Bake phallic cake)
Carry round sticky tape
And love those devil dogs
Be an Indian elephant (Be an Indian elephant)
Bait straight people
But you must have missed my wink
You must have missed my wink
(I love you,
But you're boring, you know,
I really do love you
But you're so particularly boring)
Maybe you were too busy listening to Carousel
watching Carousel, living Carousel
You were listening to Carousel
You were watching Carousel
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