List Makin'

 

Saw that Myspace had a little survey to name the top ten videos of all time and surprise, surprise, MJ took #1. I created a little poll of my own on FB and MJ won there too. As this blog is about music and art, what better than music videos to showcase the best of both worlds? Adam and I sat around and discussed his and my faves:

Adam's (in no particular order):

Radiohead/House of Cards: Undeniably amazing. Not enough people are aware of this work. As Stereogum said when this first debuted, "Why just talk in maths when you can fully manifest in them?" For non-nerds, this translates into the simple fact that this video did not use camera or light, but instead with 3D plotting.

Metallica/Unforgiven: Sure. Not bad. Not in my top.

Dire Straights/Money for Nothing: As we talked videos, the six year age gap between Adam and me became obvious. There was more color and weird weird weirdness in his choices (even the ones that didn't make this list) than mine. The medium was just so new. Watching this, yep, I wanted my MTV. Bad.

Peter Gabriel/Sledgehammer: For the time (1985--that's 25 years ago, btw), this video was an amazing piece of art. What's now a few hours on a computer was probably weeks and weeks of work for those three minutes on tv. The second image is an example of how it was made. Picture after picture after picture of subtle differences played together really fast. Can you say OCD?

Aha/Take On Me: Obviously. This one's on all polls taken because it deserves to be. Nuff said.

jESiO's pics (no particular order):

Soundgarden/Black Hole Sun: I remember being freaked out by this and in love with the technicolor. Grunge was fun to listen to, but it was a lot of flannel and black and white. This is my absolute favorite grunge video (even better than "Jeremy" imho). Watching the smiles and eyes get bigger and bigger, you couldn't take your eyes off of it.

Weezer/Buddy Holly: The beginning of a wonderful relationship. Weezer creates emo with a sense of great humor. I sing and laugh.

The Cars/You Might Think: I just loved this when I was a kid. The imagery has never left.

Tom Petty/Mary Jane's Last Dance: After much debate this wins over "Don't Come Around Here No More," aka "The Alice in Wonderland" video. My main reason being "DCAHNM" is a break up song, which I find nothing in Wonderland that relates to it. Good song. Good video. No cohesion into its own work of art.

So, instead we get my favorite early 1990's video where the man is obsessed with the dead bride.

The circle of influence and hilarity: I said to Adam, remember that INXS video with the lyrics on poster boards? We youtube'd it. It wasn't all that great, but I remembered it clearly having not seen it since before age 10. I remember when Van Halen came out with "Right Now." It reminded me of the INXS video, in that you were reading the entire time. This video was done much, much better.

We were looking at other Top Ten video lists and Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues" made a couple. I youtube'd it, and whatdayaknow...ol' Bobby D had the idea before anyone else. Before music videos, even. This is why he rules...and I'm pretty sure that's Allen Ginsberg in the corner.

Expendibles

Picasso's "Nude, Green Leaves, and Bust" just became the most expensive painting ever purchased. In an auction at Christie's in New York yesterday, it was sold to an annonymous telephone bidder for $106.5 million dollars.

Wonder if they'd let Art/Everywhere use it?

Oh Romeo...

Halloween Idea #6:

Romeo and Juliet--but specifically from William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet from the mid 1990's. I recently saw Reduced Shakespeare play at the Wells Theatre here and we talked about the varities of this story over the years.

While I could easily do a film or soundtrack review regarding WS's R&J, I won't. I'll just say that it's my favorite R&J because of the aesthetics. I could watch it on mute.

And wings are fun to wear.

Only 6 months to go!

Saturday Playlist

pic: subinev.com

Margot and the Nuclear So and So's: "Broadripple is Burning" came on my Pandora, so then I streamed some more of them...And then bought some MP3's. I've heard of this band through my old friend Annie at ASquared Industries. Broadripple is sort of Indy's Ghent or Carytown, BTW.  I think they'd go over really well at The Boot.

They sound unique...but would probably be classified among artists like Cold War Kids, Death Cab, etc. They're airy I guess. But they've got a way to pinpoint it directly to your ear--no fluff, no filler. Honest lyrics, good playing. Basic and proper. Surprised they're not British and wouldn't be surprised if they end up there.

pic: th00.deviantart.net

Radiohead "Fake Plastic Trees" accoustic: First Radiohead song I loved, first one  I identified with Radiohead. I didn't catch on to the whole "Creep" bs until a little later. The accoustic version was initially found on the Clueless soundtrack in the early 90s...Years later, Adam played it and I sort of melted. Then Thom Yorke played it--ACCOUSTIC--at Madison Square Garden and I definitely melted--into fake plastic love :)

pic: a1.twimg.com

Phoenix: Mainly because I saw them Tuesday night and it was great. Pics/story to come soon. I was too busy to write this weekend :(

So I'm dancing around all happy to Phoenix in the morning, then later in the day, I was helping set up Art/Everywhere (story to follow on that as well), and 403 Granby, which had four installations going up, were playing Phoenix...so it must have been meant to be.

pic: toonpool.com

Covers Covers Covers. Ended the night at Hells Kitchen watching a cover band. Don't know what they were called. Don't recall them being good or bad, really...just background noise at the end of a long, gorgeous night with likeminded gorgeous people. I remember they played a Zeppelin song. Warm night, successful event, art, friends, fashion, edamame...and Zeppelin. I can think of much worse intro's to summertime.

Happy Birthday NorVa!!

A Pete Yorn soundcheck 2009 | Nick D'Amato

Want to read about it?

Tiffany Girls

Tiffany Girls were a group of women who worked for Tiffany & Co beginning in the early 1880s. They designed some of the coolest glass.

Oh yeah, and there was champagne and DJ Android playing all awesome tunes by women. Check the link for the article and her set list (at bottom).

(old Wave dance party c/o Pilotonline.com)

Set List du jour.

Late Afternoon Lyrics

pic: photobucket

Tom Petty Wildflowers

This is the gem I'd forgotten. "The days went by like paper in the wind.Everything changed then changed again. It's hard to find a friend." Ain't that aging? Ha...this album is a good friend. The guitar solos and lyrics are the best of the 1990s. "Good to be King" is so much more melodic than I remembered...this wall of soft, fluff cloudsound with this underlying guitar that would kill any current Wilco fan.

And "Wildflowers", the title track, it's a song I told my 8th grade teacher summed me up better than anything on the first writing assignment I remember REALLY working at and being proud and exhausted with. The lyrics were me then, and to a large extent, are me now. And I'm living it.

You belong among the wildflowers

You belong in a boat out at sea

You belong with your love on your arm

You belong somewhere you feel free

Shades of Grey

Despite the almost too obvious references to the early-to-mid 2000's (Haliburton, Tony Blair & Condoleeza Rice, waterboarding, and more make less-than-subtle appearances disguises as fictional cousins of themselves) socio-political climate--especially between Great Britain and the US, I loved this film.

Had director Roman Polanski not already been in the news for his fugitive tendencies, which overshadowed all other parts of this film's press tour, I think the merits of his work would have been furthered by our media. It's such classic and thorough Polanski, I think if this ends up being his last film, it's simply and solidly a testament to his vision.

It has mood. Almost Hitchcockian, The Ghost Writer keeps you on the edge of your seat without guns, fast car chases, or even blasts of cursing or shouting. The furtive glances Ewan McGregor makes through his rearview mirror as the piano creepily plops along...aah! I felt the same way I did during Rear Window or Dial M for Murder.

Not that Polanski copied Hitchcock. No, his own tone was all over this. Largely set in a stormy Martha's Vineyard (with interludes in London), the film is a work of art in itself. From Kim Cattrell's perfectly tailored suits (in shades of black, white, and grey), to Olivia Williams' tinge of grey in her hair and her casually sweeping black yoga suits with scarves, the costumes are subtly tied into the larger atmosphere on set.

The main house is floor to ceiling glass walls with views of a gravelly Atlantic. The few walls with no windows are cinderblock with more floor to ceiling pieces of modern art. Again, all muted colors. The effect highlights the actors, as their skin and hair and lips are the main bursts of color in the film, their language extending out of those hues, making the audience grab onto every word and glance, a habit the majority won't realize they started until thinking back on the movie days later.

If you're already a fan of earlier Polanski thrillers like Chinatown, or other Polanski visual renderings a'la The Pianist, you will like this film. If you're not into any of this, but you like thriller or suspenseful movies and your partner refuses to sit through anything with The Rock or his equivalent in it, this movie is also for you.

sat playlist

TV on the Radio: Dear Science

I wish I could say I loved them more. They have some great lyrics. "Gold is another word for culture" from "Crying" or "Bought a sweater for his weimeraner..." on "Dancing." These are base good. They're inane and sharp--the same way I feel about a lot of Weezer's lyrics. Silly does not have to equal stupid, which is a talent both bands exude.

However, the album is just soooo all over the place. The fun is there and then something like "Shout Me Out" comes on and it's like "Why So Serious?" It's a good album but not a cohesive one. It's cheap. Sure, I suppose that's hipster blasphemy...but it's true. Scissor Sisters or New Pornagraphers...or freakin' Coldplay at times do TV on the Radio better than TV on the Radio can.

pic: thetripwire.com

Spoon: Ga Ga Ga Ga

This is a great transition. It has the whimsey I was digging on TV on the Radio but it's more organic...more connected...meatier. I feel it more. "The Underdog" is such a great song. Again, it's something I could envision The New Pornographers writing or performing. Britt Daniels' voice: a little rustic, throaty swagger a'la Jack White or Julian Casablancas.

And the drums...my favorite part of Spoon. They're at times happy-clappy, leading you down the modern scene--equal parts Monkee's and NME. Good accoustic guitar strumming but not in a bluesy way...a lot more dance-y than they want you to realize at first listen. It's elegant pop I say!

pic: blogs.sfweekly.com

Morning Benders: "Crosseyed"

Just one song but it's fitting for our Saturday playlist. It's playful with hints of melancholy. A cute girl with an ugly tattoo. A Philip Seymour Hoffman movie.

"The cross eyed mess led me from the flames into the dark. Our empty smiles keep us from completely falling apart." Beautiful, croony, happy accoustic indie pop.

 

pic: 4.bp.blogspot.com

Goldfrapp: Strict Machine

First off, one of the coolest album covers ever. I may need to devote an entire post to the art that is Allison Goldfrapp. I initially picked this album because I was thinking "pop" but all of the above is not obvious pop. Who's today's biggest popstar?

Lady Gaga?

According to People last week, Goldfrapp is a hot new band that Lady Gaga's fans may like. ARE YOU SERIOUS? Goldfrapp has been around a lot longer and has a lot more musical talent. And I love Gaga...but come on!

Goldfrapp's like the best parts of Blondie's vocals and danceability, but it's liquid, this music. While Gaga reminds me of Jerry Hall in Batman--"living art" and that being exactly why I like her as much as I do--Goldfrapp is silk to Gaga's satin.

pic: avclub.com

Pandora: Phoenix Radio

Ended with Phoenix Pandora radio--Norva show is April 27!! Never disappointing, it played MGMT, whom I CANNOT believe I still haven't seen live, The Shins, Guster, more Spoon (ah, science), Vampire Weekend, Modest Mouse, etc etc.

Nice "from the vault":  "Your Woman" by White Town, described by Pandora as 90s indie pop. Um...yeah, sung by a gender bending Indian dude...

RIP

DA BOOPA DA BOOPA

Can You Feel It?

Collage: jESiO

Pics: jESiO and the internet

Lucero at Jewish Mother

Got there just in time. Opening band Augustine were onstage tuning and my friends Flies With Honey saved a booth seat by the stage for me. Sweet.

The only band I know tonight is Lucero. I heard Micah from ELT and a couple of guys who work at Alpha were in Augustine but I didn’t know what to expect. Never even heard of Glossary.

Augustine starts. It’s country…but I’m not squirming? What’s this? I thought I was allergic…Essentially, Augustine is the Claritin for all of us ailing from this affliction with the CMT crowd. So drawn to Nashville yet so loathe contrived music.

And there’s a Fender. Being played well. These guys have a great stage presence and write and perform exceptionally well—especially when it’s not their full time job. The steel lap guitarist was fun to watch. His shoulders were popping and bobbing and weaving. He was played metal in his head, I think.

I recommend anyone check them out at a larger venue. Jury is still out on bar-size venues like Hell’s Kitchen. Apparently they’re playing with Long Division soon at 37th and Zen, but I can’t find the band’s website anywhere, so no links and no pics.

Glossary played next. They’re from Mufreesboro, TN, which to anyone into live music, you will know this is the nearest town to Bonnaroo. I like them based on this. Check out their Myspace and decide for yourself. The songs and stage swagger wasn’t bad. It also was nothing original or particularly inspiring. I was somewhat reminiscent of The Black Crowes.

Lucero you are my hero…Shit, that doesn’t rhyme. Guess that’s why I’m not the songwriter and rather the fan/critic. This was such a great night for Rock. That’s right Rock, not rock. These guys aren’t the loudest I’ve heard or the rowdiest…but whatever they did to that crowd at the Jewmom last Sunday, they brought the rock show kids out in full force.

There was a bottle of red wine being passed through the crowd. There was crowdsurfing! I hadn’t seen that in a decade! Sweet! Until they almost broke the light rig…one can was dangling for a while there.

During “Can’t Feel A Thing” the entire throng of bodies was fist and/or beer and/or girlfriend in the air, everyone singing along. It’s the moments like this that make rock concerts the best ones to go to. Yeah, you can feel claustrophobic at times. Yeah, your shoes are usually gross and your hair’s stuck in weird positions by the end of it. Sometimes you have that hangover whiplash thing going on for three days. Sometimes agresso-dudes are bogarting the dance floor. But…the communion of a sing-a-long for a non top 40 song is momentous. It’s you realizing you are experiencing the exact same emotion as everyone else in the room. It’s fun.

They had wind instruments. It wasn’t a jammy-jazzy vibe, though. It was Percy Sledge interludes with the best in today’s Tennessee scene, just really good south music. Metal horns and pickup trucks and fine art…something like that anyway.

I like Lucero records but after this, I’m converted. They were so good live that even if I go back and listen to their albums (which I previously thought were hard to define and thus mildly uninspiring), I’m going to know what they look like on stage and what they do to their audience and I’m going to like them more effortlessly.

Lunch

pic: jESiO

Waaaayy too much natural light in the window, but you get the idea. It was freezing outside, yet sunny. Let's pretend we're on a patio in Capri for a minute...Alas, it was just my dining room :(

Take A Picture It Lasts Longer

I just discovered HereNorth Photography out of New Jersey.

The pallete is subtle and mundane in the best way--the way that makes you see seventeen shades of beige.

Or make you think you've been there before.

Maybe you have. Photographer Adriana Cruz uses a lot of items from her daily life (including her sister as a model and the homes of friends and family for setting).

The comfort level she has in her surroundings shines through in the photography. It's warm and familiar.

Check her out here.

Art of a Different Color

pic: lastheplace.com

pic: dsusa.org

Normally this blog pertains to music and art...a hodgepodge of colors or brainwaves that inspire me. Today's inspiration is a little different.

I had lunch with a friend on 37th and Hampton. I live on Colonial and New York. AKA: Not Far.

Over a $22 lunch, I complained about a few things in my life and she did the same. We weren't "woe is me," however, there was some self pity peppering the pita chips.

I walked over to Muddy Paws and bought my dog some treats. Ahh! Sunshine in the city! Walked back to my car and a kind sir pointed out my front tire was flat. Grr...

There was a gas station with an air pump on the same block. I cautiously drove there and realized I had no change. No cash even. Across the street was a Bank of America. Five dollars in ATM fees and two precarious trips crossing Hampton Boulevard during lunch hour later, I'm back at the air pump working on my tire. I'm frustrated.

I drive home and flip through radio stations. Commercial. Commericial. Commer--- The Heath Calhoun 400 coming to Richmond International Raceway!

Wait. What?

For those of you who don't know, Heath is an Army Vet whom I've known since childhood. Same church youth group. Same high school. Etc. I haven't seen him in years, but childhood friends generally don't leave the memory. I remember doing this hybrid hanglide/skydive thing with him at King's Island and the adrenaline rush lasting for what seemed like forever.

He joined the Army and went to Iraq. He lost his legs. He's one of the most successful people I know despite all of this. I'm not a good military writer and won't do justice to what great things need to be and have been said about him, so I'll post some links at the bottom of this if anyone's interested in specifics. 

Anyway, the point is this: Inspiration often comes in the forms of art, music, movies. The next time you're blessed to break down directly between a bank and a gas station, five blocks from home, on a warm sunny day, with legs to get you to the ATM and back, after dropping more than some people spend in a week on a salad, don't complain.

I live here in this military town but don't hang with a lot of miitary people. I don't go to their mall, their movies, their bar. Don't mingle, basically. So today I'm just stopping and taking a second to say THANK YOU. REALLY. Check out the links below for some great feelings.

Heath's Wikipedia page

Richmond Times-Dispatch article on the race being named for him

His profile on this year's Olynpics Paralympics Site

Heath wins the Crown Royal "Your Name Here" Contest

My Week (8 Days) in Rock

Tuesday: Academy of Rock at Jewish Mother

pic: missourilife.com

Kids playing loud rock. Dads throwing metal horns in the air while Moms videotape. Ahh..childhood memories. Wait. Nevermind. Nothing as cool as Academy of Rock existed when I was 12.

Friday: Flies With Honey at Gil's

pic: mike huizenga

All original set. I rarely get to hear only a snipet (it's more likely a three hour bonanza of indie, rockabilly, grunge, redbull). This was great. Matt gets way more into it when they're his own songs. It's more cohesive.

The sound guy there sucked. I heard the term "EQ Nazi" floating around. It was great to get so many Norfolk people down to a Beach venue...especially one so out of the way.

FYI: Gil's is in a shopping center on the corner of Holland and Shipp's Corner if any of you like your rock hard...metal, grunge, FM99 style.

Sunday: Lucero at Jewish Mother

pic: memphisflyer.com

I'm going to write a completely separate review on this tomorrow. I took pics but haven't had a chance to upload them (work work blah). Great night...First time I saw crowd surfing in close to a decade. It was real rock and a reason I hope the Jewish Mother remains cool in its new digs.  For now, check out AltDaily's preview of the show.

Wednesday: Today the Moon Tomorrow the Sun at Hell's Kitchen

pic: john cachero

I've blogged on them before.

And written for AltDaily about them.

And EFFING LOVE THEM.

For fans of Metric, sludgerock, eyeliner, SXSW.