Yeah Yeah Yeahs

October 4th, 2006 • music

Ethan took Moody and I to see the Yeah Yeah Yeahs on Monday night. It had been so long since I’d seen a show at the Palladium! Same old place; though either I’m getting older, or their sound man is getting deafer and speakers getting worse. Likely just that I’m getting old. Oh well. Second thought - that has to be it. Watched the first opening band whose name escapes me currently, they were pretty good. Then the Blood Brothers were on. They weren’t bad, but they really weren’t my thing. Way too much screaming. And seriously, someone needs to take the old Rolling Stones videos away from the singer. But, just my opinion.

Then the Yeah Yeah Yeahs came on. It was great. I’ve been saying it since I first heard them - Karen really reminds me of early Siouxsie. Good stage presence, similar moves, similar (at times) voice, above all else - an intensity like Siouxsie. (consider that a massive compliment, I LOVE Siouxsie… I even proposed to her over the phone once)

I really enjoyed the show. For me, Maps really stole the night. Karen began the song, then stopped the band because she felt that the acoustic version was really needed. (thank you Karen - that was seriously perfect.)

It was a lot of fun hanging out with Ethan and Moody too. We NEVER get to do that anymore.

Massive Attack

September 25th, 2006 • music

Ethan and I went to see Massive Attack last night at the Hollywood Bowl. Simply put - it was completely amazing. Being able to finally see them was a treat in itself, but, to have them far exceed any expectation I would have had was the icing on the cake.

Liz Fraser was even there with them; whom I’ve loved for many years. The gift of seeing her perform in person was outstanding. Such a wondrous voice. Daddy G couldn’t make it though. When 3D came out to give that news I was a little bummed at first, but then he explained that Daddy G was on paternity leave! Ya!!! Best wishes to Daddy G, baby g, and family. Mr. Horace Andy also graced us with his presence! Oi what a night of music it was.

Everything they played sounded great. The full band behind them sounded spot on - perfect.

TV on the Radio opened - which made Ethan quite happy. He’s quite into them currently so I was happy he got to see them. And a band named Gang Gang Dance started off the night; wish I got to hear more of them - interesting sound as well.

Hollywood Bowl is weird. Frigin weird. Everyone is allowed to bring in picnic baskets. (wish we knew this before) You’d think I had been there before, but nope, I’ll know for next time. Here’s the weirdest part; not only do they allow people to bring in alcohol, they sell full glass bottles of wine and allow people to bring them back to their seats. WTH? Not that it matters since I don’t drink, but that just struck me as strange.

Saul Williams at MOCA

August 14th, 2006 • Life, music

Finally… Found a while back that Saul Williams was scheduled to do a spoken word session at ‘Night Vision - MOCA After Dark‘. I’d been looking forward to this weekend for a long time. I was hoping Moody would be able to go with me as well, but he was unable to. Bummer. Even though it’s not Dawn thing, she went along (she’s the best). I think overall she had an interesting time, but it was definitely more of a night for me. Little Man was over at his cousin’s house spending the night.

We got there around 6:30 - 7:00 PM and walked over to MOCA. Once I saw the MOCA Store I had to take a peak. I was good though, found tons of stuff I wanted to buy but didn’t. In hindsight I wish I did buy the nice Muji pen they had, but oh well. I’m sure I’ll be back. We walked around the Museum a bit, I enjoy a lot of it, Dawn not so much. I think her quote on the way home summed up her thoughts on the art - “Just because it’s rusty, doesn’t mean you should shellac it.” At the point she said it, we were both so exhausted that we cracked up all the way home. I did enjoy a lot of the art, but hearing her say that was hilarious. I must say, seeing Franz Kline’s ‘Tower’ in person was such a sight for me. I can’t tell you why, but it was.

After, we went in and watched a bunch of music videos that won the LA Film Festival. Some were really good, some were not our thing, and a couple had us laughing to each other sitting in the back row. Overall that was damn fun.

Finally time for Saul. At around 9PM we were out there waiting and decided to grab a quick beverage at the cafe. Walked in and saw Saul. Wanted to go say hey, but he was chatting with a few ladies and I didn’t want to interrupt. Went back out and luckily found a spot to stand. It was packed! Great turn out for Saul. While waiting, got to talk to a very nice guy named Fred. We talked about Saul, NIN, etc - great guy. I do hope our paths cross again. Saul went on stage around 9:30PM. It was something. Bigtime. I’m not going to write my words to describe his words, but lets say - if you haven’t been to see the man - GO. Then go again.

Here’s a good link to get you acquainted with one of the subjects of the night. Electronic Lebanon.

Afterwards, Dawn and I walked over to take a quick look around the Walt Disney Concert Hall. They were doing tours but we were so tired that we just walked around on our own for a little while and took off. Got a few pictures there though - this one is my favorite

It was funny, I asked Dawn if she wanted to go back with me, she said “Not really, but I know you and Tricia will be back.” hahahaha… Tricia will find that pretty funny.

Great weekend. Can’t wait to go back to MOCA. (Trish, looks like we have standing plans for your next trip out here. haha)

Underworld

July 26th, 2006 • music

So I completed my purchase of the ‘River Run Project’ that Underworld has been selling directly through their website, http://www.underworldlive.com. If you have not picked all of them up, seriously, what are you waiting for. Now having purchased all three (went back and bought Pizza for Eggs tonight) I was allowed to download ‘The Misterons Mix’. Those of you who know me - know I adore Underworld.

this picture came with the mix, and I hope it does not bother them that I share it (like I could be so lucky that Smith/Hyde would read my blog), but it’s just got an amazingly eerie quality to it. Had to put it up here.

(I will of course remove the image if asked though)

something about it, just a captivating moment I guess.