Here's a taste of what's to come tomorrow.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Quick camera question.
Quick camera question.
I recently bought a Canon Rebel XT and am happy with it, but am now worried I made a mistake by not buying the Canon Rebel XTi ... anyone have any opinions on that? An quick? Because if I'm going to return one and get the other I've got to do it pronto!
I recently bought a Canon Rebel XT and am happy with it, but am now worried I made a mistake by not buying the Canon Rebel XTi ... anyone have any opinions on that? An quick? Because if I'm going to return one and get the other I've got to do it pronto!
The architect's faulty blueprints finally begin to crumble.
The architect's faulty blueprints finally begin to crumble.
I just woke up and saw the BBC is reporting that Karl Rove has resigned his White House position.
Aw, too bad.
I'm actually surprised, because this means that Rove won't be able to hide behind Bush's vastly inflated, and only recently challenged, abuse of the "privilege" of the Executive Branch.
It's weird timing because it was just this weekend that I was really trying to wrap my head around a lot of the beliefs held by the conservatives that have been guiding the Republican party for the last decade and a half.
I have such a hard time accepting that idea they are simply a self-interested and evil clan bent on bending the world to their will purely for their own advancement to the exclusion of the rest of society; instead I think that they are afflicted with the same faulty reasoning that besets any group that surrounds themselves with a singular line of reasoning to the exclusion of all else. Hard core liberals that refuse to accept any agenda other than their own are just as misguided, in my opinion. No matter what side you're on, when you're surrounded by think tanks that support your every move, yes-men that never question your decisions, and sycophants that parrot your beliefs right back to you, there's a chance you may begin to live in a delusional second reality.
So I think Rove, disastrously, really believes that his actions were for the best of everyone involved, and I think that's why you get the same stunned reaction that he and almost everyone that's publicly fallen from Bush's administration displays; a mixture of confusion and bristling annoyance that their plans either aren't working, or that the public just hasn't been patient enough to allow their ideas to be fully implemented.
Of course, I'm still trying to figure out how massive kick-backs to corporate pals, the wholesale rape of the environment, and the steady erosion of civil rights is in the public interest, so I guess you could say I'm glad that Rove's tenure has been cut short, and that the public is so visibly losing patience with he and his ilk.
It took "us" long enough.
I just woke up and saw the BBC is reporting that Karl Rove has resigned his White House position.
Aw, too bad.
I'm actually surprised, because this means that Rove won't be able to hide behind Bush's vastly inflated, and only recently challenged, abuse of the "privilege" of the Executive Branch.
It's weird timing because it was just this weekend that I was really trying to wrap my head around a lot of the beliefs held by the conservatives that have been guiding the Republican party for the last decade and a half. I have such a hard time accepting that idea they are simply a self-interested and evil clan bent on bending the world to their will purely for their own advancement to the exclusion of the rest of society; instead I think that they are afflicted with the same faulty reasoning that besets any group that surrounds themselves with a singular line of reasoning to the exclusion of all else. Hard core liberals that refuse to accept any agenda other than their own are just as misguided, in my opinion. No matter what side you're on, when you're surrounded by think tanks that support your every move, yes-men that never question your decisions, and sycophants that parrot your beliefs right back to you, there's a chance you may begin to live in a delusional second reality.
So I think Rove, disastrously, really believes that his actions were for the best of everyone involved, and I think that's why you get the same stunned reaction that he and almost everyone that's publicly fallen from Bush's administration displays; a mixture of confusion and bristling annoyance that their plans either aren't working, or that the public just hasn't been patient enough to allow their ideas to be fully implemented.
Of course, I'm still trying to figure out how massive kick-backs to corporate pals, the wholesale rape of the environment, and the steady erosion of civil rights is in the public interest, so I guess you could say I'm glad that Rove's tenure has been cut short, and that the public is so visibly losing patience with he and his ilk.
It took "us" long enough.
Friday, August 10, 2007
DJ Tankboy at The Continental on a Friday Night? Yay!
DJ Tankboy at The Continental on a Friday Night? Yay!
I love DJing at The Continental. I'm honored that I was asked to be one of the original crew of DJs to be in the rotation before the place even opened. Now, the place is super-popular, and everyone (understandably) wants to DJ there, so I only get a chance to get in the booth every other month or so. But you know what that means? I make every single set there count double! No, TRIPLE!
I can honestly say I do some of my best work in that booth.
Oh, and sorry Kip, the evening with be Menudo and Billy Ocean-free. If you want that sort of wackiness mixed in with you rock and/or roll, you know where to find me just about any Thursday!
I love DJing at The Continental. I'm honored that I was asked to be one of the original crew of DJs to be in the rotation before the place even opened. Now, the place is super-popular, and everyone (understandably) wants to DJ there, so I only get a chance to get in the booth every other month or so. But you know what that means? I make every single set there count double! No, TRIPLE!
I can honestly say I do some of my best work in that booth.
Oh, and sorry Kip, the evening with be Menudo and Billy Ocean-free. If you want that sort of wackiness mixed in with you rock and/or roll, you know where to find me just about any Thursday!
Further proof that I am one lucky dude.
Further proof that I am one lucky dude.
So news came down the wire yesterday that Peter Bjorn and John's next Chicago show will be at Riviera in September (tickets are on-sale Saturday). They were the one band all last weekend that really surprised me. And by that I don't mean they were the best act, but i do mean that their performance came as a bit of a shock. I mean, I enjoy "Young Folks" and dug Writer's Block, but I never thought they were particularly awesome.
But seeing them at Double Door last Saturday, amidst a pretty modestly-sized invite-only crowd, was revelatory. Their energy filled the room, the songs grew to twice their size, and I'm still not sure how three guys sounded that expansive without resorting to walls of distortion like most power trio do. Can you even really call them a power trio? It was just a really, really fun show. They even made the usually predictable "hey, let's go out in the audience!' fresh by carrying their instruments along with them, leaning into the crowd, and dancing while they played. So much fun.
So, what I'm saying is, buy tickets for the Riv show or you'll probably regret it. Remember, at one time no one ever thought Modest Mouse would play anywhere larger than The Empty Bottle!
So news came down the wire yesterday that Peter Bjorn and John's next Chicago show will be at Riviera in September (tickets are on-sale Saturday). They were the one band all last weekend that really surprised me. And by that I don't mean they were the best act, but i do mean that their performance came as a bit of a shock. I mean, I enjoy "Young Folks" and dug Writer's Block, but I never thought they were particularly awesome.
But seeing them at Double Door last Saturday, amidst a pretty modestly-sized invite-only crowd, was revelatory. Their energy filled the room, the songs grew to twice their size, and I'm still not sure how three guys sounded that expansive without resorting to walls of distortion like most power trio do. Can you even really call them a power trio? It was just a really, really fun show. They even made the usually predictable "hey, let's go out in the audience!' fresh by carrying their instruments along with them, leaning into the crowd, and dancing while they played. So much fun.
So, what I'm saying is, buy tickets for the Riv show or you'll probably regret it. Remember, at one time no one ever thought Modest Mouse would play anywhere larger than The Empty Bottle!
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Equal and opposite forces.
Equal and opposite forces.
It's been a relatively quiet week, huh? Luckily nature seems to balance things out, so when things quiet down for me socially, they always seem to ramp up professionally at ye olde day job. So the days have been speeding by, swollen with productivity, and I like it that way. The busier I am, the quicker quitting time comes, and the less I mind working overtime. (On the flip side, there's nothing worse than a day full of non-billable work, where you struggle to fill your time, only to have someone approach you with the dreaded, "Hey do you have some time to --" ten minutes to quitting time.)
I am also, for the fist time in a long time, "broke." I bought a new digital SLR to shoot Lollapalooza and never intended to keep it, but I fell in love with its performance so now I'm trying to hold onto it ... and if I can just make it to my next paycheck I'll be O.K., but I'm unused to having to actually watch what I spend. So if I don't make it to see your band between now and next Wednesday, that's the reason why. Luckily I'm DJing Friday at The Continental (flier to come!) so that should relive a lot of the pressure.
I've been having a lot of fun DJing again. Even though the last few times I've been thrown a few curveballs -- unexpected bands to DJ around or being shuttled upstairs to make room for a show -- each time it's turned out to be a successful evening far exceeding expectations. People, both familiar and unknown, seem to really enjoy my style again, and much dancing and smiling and backslapping and drinking and general tomfoolery has ensued.
Someone asked me how long I had been writing about music and DJing, and almost choked on thier tongue in surprise when I answered. Most folks are fooled by my appearance into thinking I'm younger than I am, so when they find out how long I've actually been around and active in music I think it comes as a bit of a shock. Me? I feel I'm lucky to have been in the thick of things for so long. And, even though I've been around, I still get a thrill when I found out someone bought an album because of what I wrote, or got off their chair and shook it a bit because of something I played, or discovers and album that deeply touches them because of my recommendation. I even love it when someone lodges a well thought out opinion that's opposite mine, because it means that I've spurred them to think about something.
Reviewing all the above it becomes clear that I'm a very lucky man, so next time you hear me griping about something just punch me on the shoulder* and remind me of that.
*Not too hard, please.
It's been a relatively quiet week, huh? Luckily nature seems to balance things out, so when things quiet down for me socially, they always seem to ramp up professionally at ye olde day job. So the days have been speeding by, swollen with productivity, and I like it that way. The busier I am, the quicker quitting time comes, and the less I mind working overtime. (On the flip side, there's nothing worse than a day full of non-billable work, where you struggle to fill your time, only to have someone approach you with the dreaded, "Hey do you have some time to --" ten minutes to quitting time.)
I am also, for the fist time in a long time, "broke." I bought a new digital SLR to shoot Lollapalooza and never intended to keep it, but I fell in love with its performance so now I'm trying to hold onto it ... and if I can just make it to my next paycheck I'll be O.K., but I'm unused to having to actually watch what I spend. So if I don't make it to see your band between now and next Wednesday, that's the reason why. Luckily I'm DJing Friday at The Continental (flier to come!) so that should relive a lot of the pressure.I've been having a lot of fun DJing again. Even though the last few times I've been thrown a few curveballs -- unexpected bands to DJ around or being shuttled upstairs to make room for a show -- each time it's turned out to be a successful evening far exceeding expectations. People, both familiar and unknown, seem to really enjoy my style again, and much dancing and smiling and backslapping and drinking and general tomfoolery has ensued.
Someone asked me how long I had been writing about music and DJing, and almost choked on thier tongue in surprise when I answered. Most folks are fooled by my appearance into thinking I'm younger than I am, so when they find out how long I've actually been around and active in music I think it comes as a bit of a shock. Me? I feel I'm lucky to have been in the thick of things for so long. And, even though I've been around, I still get a thrill when I found out someone bought an album because of what I wrote, or got off their chair and shook it a bit because of something I played, or discovers and album that deeply touches them because of my recommendation. I even love it when someone lodges a well thought out opinion that's opposite mine, because it means that I've spurred them to think about something.Reviewing all the above it becomes clear that I'm a very lucky man, so next time you hear me griping about something just punch me on the shoulder* and remind me of that.
*Not too hard, please.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Those silly Googlers.
Those silly Googlers.
I was using Google Reader to scan some subscriptions I have that are job related, and was directed to this page, which then directed me to ... the end of the Internet!
It's an old joke, but it's always funny when it happens.
I was using Google Reader to scan some subscriptions I have that are job related, and was directed to this page, which then directed me to ... the end of the Internet!
It's an old joke, but it's always funny when it happens.
Conflict: Attracted to that which is not attracted to you.
Conflict: Attracted to that which is not attracted to you.
The shirt, and the lady modeling it, says it all.*
There, that wasn't music related!
*Duh, yes I realize the model is just a model and may not be a lesbian in real life, but for the purpose of this image and this argument let's just say that she represents one, O.K.?
The shirt, and the lady modeling it, says it all.*
There, that wasn't music related!
*Duh, yes I realize the model is just a model and may not be a lesbian in real life, but for the purpose of this image and this argument let's just say that she represents one, O.K.?
Dropped on my head by the tornado.
Dropped on my head by the tornado.
I think I'm actually a little burned out on live music right now. I've seen a lot of bands this summer, and while many of them were in the middle of big multi-group bills, I still feel a little bit stuffed as far as music consumption goes. I'm actually happy that the summer release season on the recorded side was actually a little slower than usual this year, otherwise I might have actually started choking on all the tunes.
Last weekend everything came to the fore, and while I am an incredibly lucky person to be granted access to big festivals for free --- and then allowed to stand right in front of the bands for a few songs in order to photograph them -- there is a huge amount of work involved in that privilege. While everyone else is standing in the sun or strolling from stage to stage while sipping beers all day long, my time is spent literally sprinting between stages so I can catch as much of each band's set without missing an opportunity to see another. I had actually promised myself I'd try and cover this year's fests from the vantage of the average festival-goer, but old habits die hard, and I ended up recruiting other writers to tackle that vantage point.
This summer was also my chance to re-develop my editing style when it came to wrangling a large group of writers. From that angle, I'm more the kind of guy who likes to let people discover their own angles organically, and then I gently prod folks into fine-tuning those angles, and try to figure out a way to make the whole thing work. To that end I was incredibly blessed to have a team of really good talent, whom in the end provided Chicagoist with the best, and widest, coverage yet. If we're going to top it next year it's going to have to involve video, robots, jet-packs, and computers strapped to our collective thigh.
Huh, that's funny, I must still not have completely processed the weekend since it seems the subject of Lollapalooza has hijacked yet another post!
Goldangit.
I think I'm actually a little burned out on live music right now. I've seen a lot of bands this summer, and while many of them were in the middle of big multi-group bills, I still feel a little bit stuffed as far as music consumption goes. I'm actually happy that the summer release season on the recorded side was actually a little slower than usual this year, otherwise I might have actually started choking on all the tunes.
Last weekend everything came to the fore, and while I am an incredibly lucky person to be granted access to big festivals for free --- and then allowed to stand right in front of the bands for a few songs in order to photograph them -- there is a huge amount of work involved in that privilege. While everyone else is standing in the sun or strolling from stage to stage while sipping beers all day long, my time is spent literally sprinting between stages so I can catch as much of each band's set without missing an opportunity to see another. I had actually promised myself I'd try and cover this year's fests from the vantage of the average festival-goer, but old habits die hard, and I ended up recruiting other writers to tackle that vantage point.This summer was also my chance to re-develop my editing style when it came to wrangling a large group of writers. From that angle, I'm more the kind of guy who likes to let people discover their own angles organically, and then I gently prod folks into fine-tuning those angles, and try to figure out a way to make the whole thing work. To that end I was incredibly blessed to have a team of really good talent, whom in the end provided Chicagoist with the best, and widest, coverage yet. If we're going to top it next year it's going to have to involve video, robots, jet-packs, and computers strapped to our collective thigh.
Huh, that's funny, I must still not have completely processed the weekend since it seems the subject of Lollapalooza has hijacked yet another post!
Goldangit.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
That's it, that's it, that's IT!
That's it, that's it, that's IT!
Almost done with Lollapalooza. Today is the last day of coverage, and in retrospect I'm very, very pleased with what we did for the festival at Chicagoist. I didn't want day by day, band by band recaps to be the focus, since it seems everyone does that, so I recruited both music and non-music writers to tackle it more in terms of personal experience in order to relate what it's really like to be there. Almost every review you read tells what it's like to take in a show from a critic's perspective, which is why so many critics get it wrong. I wanted us to actually take you there, and I think the Chicagoist team did a fabulous job.
Today I filed my final report as well as links to pictures from day one, day two, and day three. Day two is kind of fun to scroll through since I decided not to edit them in order to give a better feel for all the running around we do, and the insane number of shots we take for each band.
I'm already looking forward to next year ... once I get a few solid nights of sleep back under my belt!
Almost done with Lollapalooza. Today is the last day of coverage, and in retrospect I'm very, very pleased with what we did for the festival at Chicagoist. I didn't want day by day, band by band recaps to be the focus, since it seems everyone does that, so I recruited both music and non-music writers to tackle it more in terms of personal experience in order to relate what it's really like to be there. Almost every review you read tells what it's like to take in a show from a critic's perspective, which is why so many critics get it wrong. I wanted us to actually take you there, and I think the Chicagoist team did a fabulous job.Today I filed my final report as well as links to pictures from day one, day two, and day three. Day two is kind of fun to scroll through since I decided not to edit them in order to give a better feel for all the running around we do, and the insane number of shots we take for each band.
I'm already looking forward to next year ... once I get a few solid nights of sleep back under my belt!
Monday, August 06, 2007
Fair is fair.
Fair is fair.
Since Whitney threw a picture of me up on her blog today, I'm returning the favor. And for the record, whilst I am usually pasty, yesterday I was trending more toward "lightly burned." I'm also still sifting through all my photos from the weekend and shaping up Chicagoist coverage, and while seeing Peter Bjorn and John last night at Double Door was the perfect way to end the weekend, it meant I didn't get any work done last night.
Since Whitney threw a picture of me up on her blog today, I'm returning the favor. And for the record, whilst I am usually pasty, yesterday I was trending more toward "lightly burned." I'm also still sifting through all my photos from the weekend and shaping up Chicagoist coverage, and while seeing Peter Bjorn and John last night at Double Door was the perfect way to end the weekend, it meant I didn't get any work done last night.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Lolla all the day long.
Lolla all the day long.
It just keeps going and going and going ... highlights so far?
Oh, and this dude ...
It just keeps going and going and going ... highlights so far?
- The Polyphonic Spree's cover of "Lithium" felt like a bridge to the early Lollapaloozas.
- The Hold Steady obviously having the time of their lives.
- Muse showing Americans what stadium rock is all about.
- ?uestlove.
- Rhymefest's dance lessons.
- Daft-fucking-Punk. Unbelievable.
Oh, and this dude ...
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Of note.
Of note.
Daft Punk sounds best in the middle of a field, surrounded by a few thousand youngsters dancing their pants off.
Daft Punk sounds best in the middle of a field, surrounded by a few thousand youngsters dancing their pants off.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Thursday, August 02, 2007
T-minus one day until Lollapalooza.
T-minus one day until Lollapalooza.
I haven't written much about Lollapalooza here, but suffice to say it has had, and will still have, pretty extensive coverage in Chicagoist. Today I have a basic "survival guide" going up to help folks prepare. Which reminds me, are you going? If so, let me know!
But before Lolla weekend kicks off there is still one piece of business to attend to. It's Bomb Squad Thursday at Liar's Club! This week I will be spinning all by my lonesome -- my scheduled partner had a family visit come up and can't make it -- so it's doubly as important for you to stop by and keep me company. Also, I'll be upstairs, not downstairs, since there will be bands downstairs, so that makes it thrice as important you stop by! Be sure to say you're there for the Bomb Squad at the door to avoid paying a cover too.
We'll have a blast and I'll play all kinds of music, including something, I am sure off two albums that are in current constant rotation, the new discs from The Dollyrots and Office. Actually, here's a tune from The Dollyrots that kind of reminds me of Josie and the Pussycats.
MP3: The Dollyrots "Because I'm Awesome"
I haven't written much about Lollapalooza here, but suffice to say it has had, and will still have, pretty extensive coverage in Chicagoist. Today I have a basic "survival guide" going up to help folks prepare. Which reminds me, are you going? If so, let me know!
But before Lolla weekend kicks off there is still one piece of business to attend to. It's Bomb Squad Thursday at Liar's Club! This week I will be spinning all by my lonesome -- my scheduled partner had a family visit come up and can't make it -- so it's doubly as important for you to stop by and keep me company. Also, I'll be upstairs, not downstairs, since there will be bands downstairs, so that makes it thrice as important you stop by! Be sure to say you're there for the Bomb Squad at the door to avoid paying a cover too.
We'll have a blast and I'll play all kinds of music, including something, I am sure off two albums that are in current constant rotation, the new discs from The Dollyrots and Office. Actually, here's a tune from The Dollyrots that kind of reminds me of Josie and the Pussycats.
MP3: The Dollyrots "Because I'm Awesome"
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Practice makes perfect.
Practice makes perfect.
O.K., the drumming is coming along but I was a little upset with myself last night. We decided to do rough demos of a bunch of our new songs. So we run through them once, just to warm up, and I feel like I'm chugging along. Then the red record light comes on, and I start out song. Then I hit the bass drum one too many times and I suddenly think, "Crap! I screwed up the demo!" And now, suddenly, instead of just drumming my parts I'm thinking about drumming my parts. And each little mistake frustrates me more and more. And I'm sure all the recordings are ruined, all because of me.
Then Keep has us listen, just to hear what it sounds like, and I realize that all the little mistakes I heard weren't as huge as I thought they were. I mean, yeah, there's and "oops, missed a beat there" and a "nice attempt at a fill, lead-hands," but for the most part the demos are good for what we're using them for; now that we have the general feel of the new songs down pretty good it's time to tighten them up with some solid arrangements. Practice closes with Kip saying, "So I think it's looks like we'll still be ready to play out in October." And I realize that while I still have a lot of work to do myself, the band as a whole is steadily making progress.
Practice will make perfect.
AN ASIDE: While I was loading out I could've sworn I saw the band Meqqa, that still has my original snare drum and ride cymbal, loading in. I wasn't positive though if it was them then I'd just like to say, "Hey guys, I want my gear back!"
O.K., the drumming is coming along but I was a little upset with myself last night. We decided to do rough demos of a bunch of our new songs. So we run through them once, just to warm up, and I feel like I'm chugging along. Then the red record light comes on, and I start out song. Then I hit the bass drum one too many times and I suddenly think, "Crap! I screwed up the demo!" And now, suddenly, instead of just drumming my parts I'm thinking about drumming my parts. And each little mistake frustrates me more and more. And I'm sure all the recordings are ruined, all because of me.Then Keep has us listen, just to hear what it sounds like, and I realize that all the little mistakes I heard weren't as huge as I thought they were. I mean, yeah, there's and "oops, missed a beat there" and a "nice attempt at a fill, lead-hands," but for the most part the demos are good for what we're using them for; now that we have the general feel of the new songs down pretty good it's time to tighten them up with some solid arrangements. Practice closes with Kip saying, "So I think it's looks like we'll still be ready to play out in October." And I realize that while I still have a lot of work to do myself, the band as a whole is steadily making progress.
Practice will make perfect.
AN ASIDE: While I was loading out I could've sworn I saw the band Meqqa, that still has my original snare drum and ride cymbal, loading in. I wasn't positive though if it was them then I'd just like to say, "Hey guys, I want my gear back!"
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Press Release: The "I think my head just exploded" edition.
Press Release: The "I think my head just exploded" edition.
This seriously just arrived in my in-box, and I don't even know where to go with it ...
This seriously just arrived in my in-box, and I don't even know where to go with it ...
It's just, I mean, I ... I love Cheap Trick, and I have a real soft spot for Ministry, but I thought the idea of Cheap Trick covering Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band in its entirety was a bad idea to begin with, so I can't see how this pairing can be anything more than a bad acid trip to rival the Stigwood production of the movie adaptation.AL JOURGENSEN TO JOIN CHEAP TRICK
AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL FOR THE BEATLES'
"SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND"
40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
LOS ANGELES, CA - July 31, 2007 -- Ministry's AL JOURGENSEN has been confirmed to special guest with Cheap Trick when they perform The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" from start to finish in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the landmark album. Jourgensen will join Cheap Trick onstage in Los Angeles at the Hollywood Bowl on August 10 and 11 to perform the Beatles' "I Want You (She's So Heavy)," considered to be one of the most complex songs ever recorded by the Fab Four.
At the specific request of Cheap Trick's Rick Nielson and Robin Zander, the Ministry guitarist/vocalist has re-arranged the song and made it "bent, in the Al Jourgensen way." Ministry/RevCo guitarist Sin Quirin will join Jourgensen and Cheap Trick onstage for the performance.
Fueling the drive.
Fueling the drive.
I will be running non-stop from Thursday night to late Sunday, due to Lollapalooza this weekend. I've been doing lots of prep-work -- listening to the various bands, reading up on biographies, eating right, exercising, gathering gear and making sure it's all in working order -- to ensure that things run smoothly and I don't run out of steam.
Another essential component to surviving the weekend is an appropriate playlist to keep me going when I'm rushing to and from the festival grounds during the day, or around to the after-shows at night. One band that is on that playlist this year is the Australian combo Magic Dirt. I was introduced to the group at just about the same time by two completely different sources, Paul in the U.S. and Amy in Australia, earlier this year. Their sound is firmly rooted in that early-'90s overdriven Alternative Seattle scene, only with sweeter female-led melodies similar to The Breeders. Paul actually put together a pretty terrific compilation of their earlier work for friends to listen to and I'm grateful for the intro or I would have totally missed the release of this year's EP, Beast.
The discs's final track, "Sucker Love," has been wending its way into my DJ sets, and I predict it'll get a bit of airplay in ye olde headphones any time I need a little pick-me-up in the back of a cab or on the way to a late night show over the weekend.
MP3: Magic Dirt "Sucker Love"
UPDATE: As Paul mentions in the comments, you can access his excellent compilation of Magic Dirt's earlier, and out-of-print, work here. Get it!
I will be running non-stop from Thursday night to late Sunday, due to Lollapalooza this weekend. I've been doing lots of prep-work -- listening to the various bands, reading up on biographies, eating right, exercising, gathering gear and making sure it's all in working order -- to ensure that things run smoothly and I don't run out of steam.
Another essential component to surviving the weekend is an appropriate playlist to keep me going when I'm rushing to and from the festival grounds during the day, or around to the after-shows at night. One band that is on that playlist this year is the Australian combo Magic Dirt. I was introduced to the group at just about the same time by two completely different sources, Paul in the U.S. and Amy in Australia, earlier this year. Their sound is firmly rooted in that early-'90s overdriven Alternative Seattle scene, only with sweeter female-led melodies similar to The Breeders. Paul actually put together a pretty terrific compilation of their earlier work for friends to listen to and I'm grateful for the intro or I would have totally missed the release of this year's EP, Beast.The discs's final track, "Sucker Love," has been wending its way into my DJ sets, and I predict it'll get a bit of airplay in ye olde headphones any time I need a little pick-me-up in the back of a cab or on the way to a late night show over the weekend.
MP3: Magic Dirt "Sucker Love"
UPDATE: As Paul mentions in the comments, you can access his excellent compilation of Magic Dirt's earlier, and out-of-print, work here. Get it!
Monday, July 30, 2007
Catching up with overseas friends.
Catching up with overseas friends.
I spent most of the day yesterday hanging out with BBC America. I got all caught up with Footballer's Wives and Hex, and then discovered that the first episode of Jekyll was available through In Demand, even though it doesn't properly premiere until next week.
This summer's been pretty dull in TV-land for me, so I'd been looking forward to seeing Jekyll, and once I realized it was scripted by the same guy who brought us Coupling, Steven Moffatt, I was even more excited. I really like Moffatt's way with dialogue, and suspected he might be good at blending dark humor with suspenseful subject matter. After seeing the pilot, my suspicions were confirmed, since I found myself going from smirking at the screen during an encounter with a mysterious duo in a pub, to clutching the sides of the couch as the Hyde half of the main character elicits information from a therapist.
The true joy of the show is James Nesbitt, who plays Tom Jackman a.k.a. Jeyll / Hyde. Through no larger costume change than a little hair gel he does a stunning job of creating two completely different characters sharing the same body. Watching his switch from repressed researcher into a gleeful explosion of no-holds barred psychotic Id is one of the most compelling parts of the shaow and I dare say that it's his personality and skill that drives the whole show.
As an aside, it's interesting to note that Michelle Ryan, who plays Jackman's therapist oddly working for both of his halves, will be appearing on American television next year as The Bionic Woman, and considering she comes off as a far sexier Jennifer Garner in Jekyll, I predict she's going to do pretty well in her Stateside debut.
I spent most of the day yesterday hanging out with BBC America. I got all caught up with Footballer's Wives and Hex, and then discovered that the first episode of Jekyll was available through In Demand, even though it doesn't properly premiere until next week.
This summer's been pretty dull in TV-land for me, so I'd been looking forward to seeing Jekyll, and once I realized it was scripted by the same guy who brought us Coupling, Steven Moffatt, I was even more excited. I really like Moffatt's way with dialogue, and suspected he might be good at blending dark humor with suspenseful subject matter. After seeing the pilot, my suspicions were confirmed, since I found myself going from smirking at the screen during an encounter with a mysterious duo in a pub, to clutching the sides of the couch as the Hyde half of the main character elicits information from a therapist.
The true joy of the show is James Nesbitt, who plays Tom Jackman a.k.a. Jeyll / Hyde. Through no larger costume change than a little hair gel he does a stunning job of creating two completely different characters sharing the same body. Watching his switch from repressed researcher into a gleeful explosion of no-holds barred psychotic Id is one of the most compelling parts of the shaow and I dare say that it's his personality and skill that drives the whole show.As an aside, it's interesting to note that Michelle Ryan, who plays Jackman's therapist oddly working for both of his halves, will be appearing on American television next year as The Bionic Woman, and considering she comes off as a far sexier Jennifer Garner in Jekyll, I predict she's going to do pretty well in her Stateside debut.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)