Expectations Go Out The Window

4/24/07 @ Neumo's

Remember the experience of going to your first concerts? The ones where everybody smashed together up front to get close to the band, slam danced like a crazy sweating mess, and pumped your fist at every opportunity? Well this is the vibe Electric Six evoked with their show tonight.

There were two opening bands tonight, and I thought if I left later than usual, I might be so lucky as to dodge that bullet. However, things were running late I guess, and when I got there the first opening band, Nights Kills The Day was still playing. It has been a long time since I've disliked and scoffed at a band so much. Pumping out middle of the road Breaking Benjamin, Nickelback type stuff with a vocalist with the mid-range warbling of Axl Rose in the intonation of Peter Murphy of Bauhaus, but completely lacking in any range (and looking like a lame Dave Mustaine), they ripped through a set only they enjoyed, with such stereotypical song titles as "Blindfolded." Oh, and the guitarist who was pulling wanker solo after another looked like Hunter Thompson. Yikes.

One word: LAME

The next band was anywhere near as bad. They are called Test Your Reflex, and apparently they even had a few people in attendance that were actually there for them. They made bouncy indie-alterna-rock with butt rock anthem-like choruses. Which is band as far as opening bands go. It's not painful for the ears, and is a good way to pass the time before the band you paid for arrives on stage.

Kind of blurry, but there's Test Your Reflex

After what felt like forever, Electric Six entered the stage with "Mr. Woman," and didn't let the party let up until his extremely tongue-in-cheek diatribe about how great Bush is and how we should all be so lucky as to somehow get pregnant and birth the next Bush for the presidency. It was similar to the speech I saw him give only a few months ago last time they came through, but different enough that I didn't feel like it was the exact same show.

Dick showing Bush some love. Ha.

When I arrived the crowd was incredibly small, smaller than I've seen it at any show of recent memory, which made me sad/nervous for E6: where they losing their crowd? But by the time they went on the crowd had beefed up quite a bit, about 2/3 full.

Speaking of beef, if I had a quarter for every sweaty fat shirtless or so soaked in sweat that it didn't matter guy that slammed into me, I'd be able to do laundry for a couple of weeks, I'll tell you that. Yuck. Pretty much every show I've been to here in Seattle, people have remained relatively calm, trying to look cool while admiring the show, which was absurd at Man Man. But here, every guy with the heart of a frat guy was out in full force, jumping around, shouting, spraying beer on people and sweating profusely. It's not that I'm not used to it, it's just that it's been so long since I've been to a show where that was the population of the crowd that it was strange.

So here are my two complaints about the show, because few shows are perfect: first was how i kept getting grossly sweaty people slamming into me when I wasn't paying attention, disrupting me from the show, and the second complaint is that while the rest of the band looks wacky enough, they never speak or have moments to shine, so they just seem like Dick Valentine's puppets. I know it's his baby, but I like when the band at least attempts to show themselves off too.

You play a mean guitar, but who are you?

Dick Valentine did seem to be in a great mood, and even seemed like he was trying much harder than last time to hit all the notes and falsetto moments, putting on a spirited performance. Highlights included "Dance Epidemic," "The Future Is In The Future," "I Buy The Drugs," and "Germans In Mexico." And of course it's always great to see "Danger! High Voltage," the song that introduced the world and myself to the wonderfully energetic band with a tongue planted so firmly in cheek they risk biting it off.

In reviewing my almost 3-day stint of concert going, it seemed like there was a logical digression, in terms of mission and "high brow" art and entertainment. Blonde Redhead was moody and very much a personal experience for each audience member, plus they are Indie Rock media darlings. Peeping Tom still had an element of "cool" because it was Mike Patton, but it was all about the fun and stage show that night. Everybody's just having a good time, but with very creative, diverse styles of music. Tonight was a good ole rock-n-roll show, plain and simple. No frills, no back up singers, guest spots, DJs, or anything. Just men, their instruments, and pseudo sex/love anthems with a penchant for dancing and jumping around.

Just like my first few concerts.


p.s. here's a great new song from their latest album Switzerland, the nocturnal love anthem "Night Vision"

How U Feelin' ?

Peeping Tom

4/23/07 @ The Showbox

My mind is still buzzing like a drunken wasp in jar, reeling from the genre-defying musical onslaught that is Peeping Tom.

Mike Patton's latest project is his most poppy and accessible since Mr. Bungle's album California, and that certainly isn't a bad thing. Afterall, it's still Mike Patton, so you know it's a strange take on whatever type of music he's tackling at the moment. The album is fantastic and easily one of my most played of 2006. However, I did have some apprehension how all of this would play out live. There were so many guests on the record, how do you take a beast like that out on the road?

The answer lies in crack team of mostly unknowns from the LA area: a young female beatboxing champion, a poofy haired woman who sings great backing vocals and provides electric violin in unexpected yet appropriate times, a super geeky keyboard player, a drummer that looks like he belongs in the Beastie Boys "Sabotage" video, and legendary DJ/Programmer badass Dan The Automator (!!!!). The last one was a surprise to be sure, but a very welcome one. Everything this man touches is gold.

King Midas workin' at the wheels

But allow me to back up the train for a minute and talk about the opener, Pigeon John. I had never heard of him and his name is fairly goofy, but as far as opening acts go, he was perfect. Blending Reggae and Hip Hop into a very upbeat, pleasant style, he warmed up the crowd, got them to shout plenty of "heys!" and "hos!" and all the other crowd interaction one gets at a hip hop show. Hell, by the end I was even dancing around to it, and some girl walking by took notice and danced with me for minute. That was a strange, funny interaction. But after a minute or two she casually walked away towards the bar. My friend Eric looked and me, I shrugged and laughed. All part of the concert-going experience I suppose. So, all that added up to a fun and pleasant way to begin the evening. I don't think I'll be running out and picking up his albums, but he was a cool opener.

The only man to rhyme "pigeon" & "smidgen"

Patton entered the stage wearing his by now infamous stocking cap/hairnet and sport the sleaze stache as always. He was in a fun, pleasant mood, and really enjoyed playing with crowd, getting them to shout irregular utterances like "arriba! aiiii!" encouraging everyone to give him the finger, and even getting the whole crowd to laugh at the band because according to him, "there's too much positive reinforcement going on! Laugh at us!"

Setlist songs included opening song "It's A Desperate Situation" by Marvin Gaye and every song from the album except "Celebrity Deathmatch." Kool Keith's part was done by Pigeon John making up his own verses, which was ok, but still...it's no Kool Keith! "Five Seconds" was particularly energetic and really had the crowd bouncing, as did "Mojo." I could spend paragraph after paragraph talking about all the cool moments in each song, because each song did have memorable moments. The surprise in the set came when they played the song "Get Up Punk!" from the album General Patton Vs. The X-Ecutioners. That made me really happy and jump around like mad.

The only disappointment in the whole show was that Dan the Automator did not get his own set to show off his skillz. The beatboxing chick, and even the band Dub Trio (who's featured on the album cut "We're Not Alone") had their own mini-set in the middle of Peeping Tom's set, yet no Automator set. So that was a drag, but the show itself was flawless.

In a very un-Patton move, they even came back and did an encore, which was the song "Across 110th Street," which was completely unknown to me. If somebody knows who it's by, please let me in on it, I'm curious.

This night was a beautiful contrast and counterpoint to Saturday's Blonde Redhead performance. While that one was all about building a mood for the viewer to take a journey, this was more of a rock show, with tons of crowd interaction, jumping up and down, and screaming; singing along to every song as loud as I could; getting a thrill just watching a master of his craft work his mojo.

His mojo was certainly working, and I advise all my Gentle Viewers to catch this show if Peeping Tom is in your hood. It will be a night of raucous fun and hairnets.

Here's the Peeping Tom song "Your Neighborhood Spaceman" for your enjoyment.

I'll let Mike Patton himself end this blog:

Dr. Strangeluv

Blonde Redhead
4/21/07 @ The Showbox

The doctor prescribed a heavy slab of atmospherics for this wonderful performance. They never spoke a word until halfway through their set, instead focusing on building a mood and enveloping sound to coat this listener, to sink into them and take the mind to places not necessarily on stage or the here and now. There were times I envisioned myself in a small warm room, filled with some and wrapped in blankets. This first part of their set consisted of cuts from their new album 23, which up until this point I had no listened to much, or gave it much attention because it didn't grab me instantly the way Misery Is A Butterfly did. But I must now go back and fully explore that record, as it has been fleshed out beautifully in concert, and shown me the true nature of it's dense, moody craftsmanship.

Little bit of mood lighting goes a long way

The fog let up a little and eased into a more upbeat, clap along, bobbing number "In Particular," a fan favorite and a track that I absolutely adore. From there we were treated to a couple of older songs from Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons and others, one of which the stopped short, Kazu apologizing that they tried, but had forgotten how the rest of it went. It's alright, as spot-on and mesmerizing as they'd been up until that point, I'm willing to let that slide, and give them an 'E' for effort in trying to bring out a back catalog track.

After they left the stage there was thunderous applause and stomping, demanding the return of everyone's favorite angular noise rock-turned melancholy art house indie darlings. They reappeared shortly, dishing out a couple more slices of pure mood, but not too be confused with those terrible New Age CDs you order from TV. This was the real deal, and an awesome concert experience. Not one of energy and hype and movement, but one of personal internal journey, the sort of concert where the performance isn't the key, the music is but a tool to take the listener to places not as easily achievable at home with your turntable.

I recommend to anyone to see this great band whom I can't give enough superfluous remarks to. Just don't come expecting a raucous live show. Instead, grab a blanket and some tissues for your third eye.

As a special treat, here's the song "Dr. Strangeluv" from their new album 23.

Performing one of my favorites, "Taking Out the Eurotrash" at the Showbox last year

The Times They Are A-Changin'

Welcome Gentle Viewers to another installment of the Chronicles of Riddick! Wait, my name's not Riddick...nevermind then, just welcome!

Farewell to Accounting

Tuesday the 17th was my last day at the accounting firm. Not sorry to see it go, as I was pulling 60 hour weeks by the end. But despite these grueling hours I was never treated like a slave or was too miserable. They fed us incredibly well, sometimes both lunch and dinner. On the last day not only did I get a farewell card with a Starbucks giftcard, but there was a huge end of tax season party at Tiki Bob's with a taco buffet and all the freeze booze I could drink.

I mostly just hung out with Fred, easily the office's nicest, funniest, and geekiest employee. Not that it's a bad thing. Hell, I was glad I finally met someone in Seattle that could go toe-to-toe with MY geekdom and even beyond, so that was very welcome. I also hung with the guy I shared an office with, John. You wouldn't think it from looking at him, but John is a Goth. He goes to Goth clubs every weekend and dresses all in black and talks about the lavish neon drinks he has there and all the types of alcohol they have in them. Sounds cool if I could tolerate the majority of the music, but I can't. Don't get me wrong, there are a few bands that are considered "Goth" that I really enjoy: Joy Division, Bauhaus, Siouxsie & The Banshees, and others. But much beyond that and it's just crushed velvet, eyeliner, goblets, and lasers. No thanks.

Not John, just funny as hell

So we partied there until 11 or 12 and went home. Hopefully Fred and I will get to hang out and play Guitar Hero II.

John (left), Fred (right), with me in the middle. Damn those rabbit ears!

My Days Are Numbered

So that's it. Now that my accounting days are over with, my days in Seattle are very limited. With Kim already gone and the apartment leased out to someone new, most loose ends are tied up. I spent the whole day after work ended packing and getting ready to go. I figured it was better to do it all now than try to foolishly do it all the day before I left. I've seen the results of that, and it's ugly. No, I try to be more prepared these days.

So what am I doing to fill my days of leisure, you ask? Well, getting more sleep for one. My body tries to wake up at 7:30 in time for work like a good robot every morning and I have to force myself to go back to sleep. Then I get up a few hours later, have some coffee, listen to some Dylan, Velvet Underground, or something else appropriate for coffee-filled mornings, make myself a delicious breakfast that usually involves bacon, and play around on the internet or spend some quality time on my DS. But amongst this lazy behavior, I do try to be active, going to the park to read or walking downtown to get the second issue of Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 8 comic! Seriously though, I am trying to be active, so that when I go on the cruise in a week or so I'm not a blob.

I even got a haircut so I could be more streamlined for the summer!

I'm lookin' hard!

Other than that, there are a couple of great concerts coming up!

Blonde Redhead *Tonight!* 4/21 @ Showbox
Peeping Tom 4/23 @ Showbox
Electric 6 4/24 @ Neumos

Expect full reviews of each, so stay tuned!

Got My Mojo Working

Marshall and I are at it again, working on our second screenplay, currently called The Mojo Hand. It's based on the legends of the blues, and the holy grail of all blues aspirations: acquiring the mojo hand, or the best blues guitar playing known to man. Usually involves deals with the devil, crossroads and such. These themes have been touched upon in film, but never really done justice and in the full scope. Well we aim to fix that. I think we've got solid gold on our hands. This script's got something for everybody: spirited music performances, mythology, action, violence, romance, tragedy, black magic, comedy, and a midget. Yessiree. Good stuff. We've completed a treatment for it, so now we're waiting to hear back from our "connection" on it, but in the coming weeks are beginning to write the actual screenplay. Trust me, all of you will want to read this one.

Feel the voodoo of the Mojo Hand

Oh, and I beat Final Fantasy I last night! Woot!

See ya soon hax0rs of the internets!

Yessss! *Cue the Fanfare!*

I FINALLY beat The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap tonight!

Not that it's a hard game or anything, but I refused for a long time to beat it until I had found absolutely everything in the game. Unfortunately, this was frustrating, and I put it away for a long time. There was one Kinstone piece that I couldn't find the match-up, and I think it was the king from way earlier in the game, before I knew how to do this stuff. So I couldn't do that, and I didn't have the patience to keep finding shells, pulling the handle and hoping for a new figurine to complete my set.

So I gave up trying, and just went to the castle and beat it. Fun stuff! I would say this is easily the best Zelda game on a handheld system. Well, only if you don't count the port they did of Link To The Past, the Super Nintendo game that was by far the best of the series. So this one was great because it introduced new items and gameplay concepts, had a good sense of humor, and was just plain fun. Maybe I'll try to convince LeAnne or somebody to play it, so that the only who isn't scratching their head when I talk about all of this is Chris Mikesell.

Now the wait is on for The Phantom Hour Glass, which looks to be incredible.

Last Friday I bought Sonic Rush, because I had heard/read good things about it, plus I have historically been a fan of the Sonic series, and hadn't picked one up in a long time, so I figured it was about time I did.

Unfortunately, it's not really what I was looking for. Either the charm of the classic Sonic formula has worn off, or I'm just really bad at it now, because the game is terribly frustrating. Don't get me wrong, the usage of both screens for the maps is really awesome, and easily the coolest thing about the game, but I dunno...something just didn't click for me. I kept dying at seemingly random spots or in cheap ways, and would stare at the GAME OVER screen in disbelief going, "Really?!" So either I've outgrown Sonic or Sonic has outgrown me. Which makes me really sad. I mean, Sonic 2 was one of my favorite games ever (funny about the twos, cuz Mega Man 2 is THE best).

So I think I'm going to take EB up on it's 'exchange in seven days if you don't like it' policy and get a different game. I want something fun and interactive, that makes use of the DS's touch screen and mic and stuff. So I think I might get this game:
Okay, I know it looks kiddie as all hell, but I hear the mini-games and micro-games beat the pants off anything on Wario Ware, and I really dig Wario Ware. The multiplayer sounds really cool and versatile, and of course, I'm a sucker for anything Final Fantasy. So I'll let you know what I think, Gentle Viewers.

I'll leave you with my next goal of game winning: Final Fantasy I for GBA. I got to the end and thought about doing all the extra dungeons and decided against it. Like the guys on 1up said, this game can feel grueling and like a "tour of duty" so I'm just going to get it out of the way and beat it. Afterall, that cute little chocobo needs my attention. Not to mention I'm still working on games in New Super Mario Bros., Yoshi's Island DS, and Final Fantasy VI: Advance.

Oh, and I'm trying to start work on the next screen play, and give my girlfriend all the love and attention she deserves. =) So my plate is quite full...

Until next time.

Canada, Departure, Mouse & Man (Man), & The Ear infection from Hell

Well it's certainly been a long time, since the last one, so here's another go my Gentle Viewers.

For the longest time I didn't update because nothing was happening. I was working my tax job, I'd come up and chill with Kim, and that was about it. Now everything's different and will still change even more in the coming weeks/months. So it's time to catch my blog breath before things get crazier. Here's what's been going on so far...

* Modest Mouse in concert!!

Surprise! Modest Mouse is coming in 3-4 days! I scrambled to get tickets, and did thanks to Kim's keen Internet skillz. They played on South Lake Union at the Naval Reserve Building. I've been in there before for an interview and didn't really envision it as a concert place, because it looked for like a gymnasium than a concert venue. However, it worked really well, and we had an easy time seeing because they built the stage so high up. It was also decorated with old lanterns that in pictures just looked like stage lights, but in-person they blinked periodically, and swayed to the vibration of the music, and made for excellent ambiance, especially when the stage was darkened.

They opened with a rather lackluster "Ocean Breathes Salty" that had me worry it was going to be a repeat of their half-hearted performance at Austin City Limits Festival, but it was only uphill from there, cranking it into high gear with catchy, head-bobbing single "Dashboard." They mostly played tracks from their latest (We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank) and Good News, with a few older ones sprinkled in. And that was a bit of a bummer, but since I am a big fan of their latter day output, I didn't mind so much. But they completely KILLED "Doin' The Cockroach." Holy Jumpin' Jesus On a Pogo Stick! It was incendiary and exhilarating. They definitely still "have it."

Johnny Marr is on the far left, Issac Brock on the far right.
Thanks to whoever & their blog I stole this pic from...

I've also read a few blogs where people were excited to see new member (and ex-Smiths) Johnny Marr, but didn't feel he added to the performance. But I was up close on his side and I felt like he really added a lot to their sound. Filled out more jangling, sparse numbers, and gave the newest songs that added melody, rhythm, and glitter that really make the POP. I'm only a casual fan of the Smiths, but it was very cool to see a legend and unquestionable pro thrown into the Mouse mix. All in all it was great show and I had lot of fun.

This is such a cinematic & beautiful promo picture.

But before I leave the topic of Modest Mouse, I'd like to spend a moment and sing the praises of their latest release, We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank. It has received mixed reviews from fans and critics alike. Old fans and indie critics aren't happy because it's not like their old stuff and assume every song on it is trying to be the next "Float On." Pop critics are complaining that there isn't another "Float On" and that the album isn't as catchy as the last. Both the types have retarded expectations are stuck in a fixed paradigm about the band. Just relax and appreciate what is in face a fantastic album, full on great, catchy yet off-kilter tracks. The opening song "March Into The Sea" is fantastic opener, portraying Brock as some mad sea captain, sailing into oblivion and laughing all the way defiantly. Then we jump into the catch-as-all-hell and toe-tap inducing "Dashboard." I won't do a track-by-track analysis, but suffice to say it's got a little bit of everything, emotions rise and fall in all the right places, and somehow brings out more of the strange dark humor and odd melodies of their past than Good News did. Plus it's got James Mercer of The Shins on a few tracks adding some super-sweet backing vocals! Other notable tracks are "Missed The Boat" "Little Motel" and "Spitting Venom."

* Victoria, BC (Canada!!!)

Thanks to the very gracious lending of her by Nannette, Kim & I were able to go to Victoria, British Columbia 2 weekends ago. We drove as far as we could on the US side, parked, and hopped on a boat to takes us to the magical land of Canada, where Kraft dinner reign supreme, and the good folks have beady eyes and flappy heads, or at least that's what South Park says.

Despite slightly adverse weather, we wandered around for a while checking out the town before heading to our hotel we had booked for the night. The hotel was pretty nice and quite comfortable. Kim wanted to stay in and lounge for a bit, so I took to the streets and wandered around. Very quaint big city, if you catch my meaning. Just a cool vibe. While wandering around I got offered drugs THREE times on the same street corner! I just had to laugh to myself and keep walking. I came across a pretty good bookstore in my wanderings and stopped in long enough to pick up some essential reading, which you can check the sidebar for in the future.

After I'd had my fill on aimless wandering, I went back and grabbed Kim and her and I went out. We had coffee, strolled the streets, and eventually ended up a pretty swanky Italian restaurant. It was really nice and all, but I also couldn't shake the vibe that this was the place kids came for prom, or that some guys thought of this establishment as a "romantic" place for first dates, what with it's mood lighting, urban chic design with a mixture of rustic (how that works I haven't a clue) and a pricey menu to improve your money cred (I guess). The food was quite tasty, however I found it quite strange that the bread tasted like a slightly softer Goldfish.

After dinner, it was extremely cold and windy, so after taking a pit stop for excellent photo ops, we headed back to the hotel room to lay in a full belly malaise.

I'm a blur of motion in front of the parliament building

We finally scraped ourselves out of the hotel around 11:30, and headed out on the town for more exploring and coffee. While we were out, I found a place that had the Buffy Season 8 comic! I nearly had a heart attack as I saw it in the window and had to go inside and purchase it. It's been announced as "coming soon" for so long I gave up watching the release date, so it was an excellent surprise to see it. It's freaking excellent, by the way. There was much to be had in the way of Buffy collectibles, and I almost left Canada with an Angel puppet! Who can resist Smile Time?

"Do you have anything to declare?" says US Customs.
"Just an Angel puppet," I would reply.

We even stopped by a mall where I got to play Wii for minute and totally whooped an old guy at WiiTennis.

Overall, a very pleasant visit to a great town. I'm so glad Kim and I went and would love to go back when I have more time to go to the park, do the whale watching tour and all the other things I missed.

* The Leaving of My Lovely Lady =( [x 1000]

So last Wednesday Kim left. She's off to Michigan to begin her Great Lakes adventure for the next few months (aka infinity). I miss her so much already. This apartment is so much emptier without her. When I walk in the door after work I always half-expect her to be here, ready to greet me with a hug and a kiss. But I guess between tons of overtime at work and drinking, I'll make it these next few weeks okay. We talk often, so that's good, but still... Yeah, I don't know what else to say without getting upset. I'm really sad and lonely without her.

My beautiful girl and I in Canada

* The Ear Problems from HELL! (aka Speak To Me In My Good Ear)

So while all of this has been happening, I've been coping with progressively worse ear problems. I started losing hearing in my left ear progressively for the past couple of weeks, but on our last day in Canada, it began to hurt, badly. Over the next day it only worsened to the point where it felt swollen inside and I could barely concentrate because of the pressure and itching.

Somewhere between point 1 & 2 there is a BAD problem.

I was in a bit of a pickle though, because I don't have health insurance, so I had to figure out how to be treated, so we came across Country Family Doctor Clinic or something like that. They promise the charge on a "sliding scale," so that's good. I go in and see the doctor and he he says that I've got earwax buildup. Apparently my use of q-tips packed it all in so tightly against the eardrum it couldn't move and that's why it was infected. But instead of removing the wax or giving me antibiotics, all I got was some lousy drops. On the plus side, it doesn't really hurt anymore. However, it is six days later, and I still can't hear of that ear, when the drops were supposed to work in 3-5. SIGH. So unless it magically unclogs tonight, I'm calling for a follow-up appointment and ask quite forcefully that something more be done. It's so strange to only really be able to use one ear.

* Man Man LIVE!
Great googly moogly! I heard their album and thought it was pretty damn cool and original (despite some Tom Waits-ish tendencies), but after seeing them in concert, I'd go as far as to say they are one of the best damn live bands out there today!

From beginning to end, their show was pure energy and a rambunctious hootenanny of catharsis and fun! Clad in their signature all white clothing and war paint covered they ripped through so many songs in so little time, it was almost a medley, though the best medley I've ever heard! Even the crowd was into it and moving around, which is an amazing thing when it concerns Seattle crowds! They usually just stand there arms crossed nodding their head, so to see people dancing around and even crowd surfing made me happy. If any band deserved that sort of energy, it was them.

A glimpse into the beautiful madness

The only snafu came when one of the band's personal friends got ejected from the concert. They made a huge deal about it and stopped the show for almost 10 minutes, appealing for their friend. They also let us know that this was the first time they ever stopped a show, and it would be the last time they played Neumos. But that's OK, because I think they could fill the Showbox, and not that, I'd rather see them at the Crocodile Cafe anyway.

I can't stress enough how amazing this band is in concert. If you get the chance to see them, do whatever you can to do so! You WILL NOT regret it! Seriously, this was the best show I've seen since the last time I saw The Mars Volta. They were THAT good.

Here' s a little taste of Man Man. Enjoy!

So that's it for now. I'll post if anything else comes up. Hope you enjoyed the update.