"Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still."

I was thinking about this today-- I've been sick. I've been watching movies and crap TV to entertain me instead of daily life. Actually it was because of America's Next Top Model that draws me to this blog. Weird right? But I like the range of art styles, and I could really do without the "girl drama." But that keeps the show interesting.
Back to my original point. Sorry about that.
Photography.I was sketching a photo I took a week ago today, and was thinking about photography, rock photography, black and white photography, and how much I love photography. And its relation with film.

Photography is awesome. It is the art of clicking at the precise moment, exuding a feeling, moment in time, idea, and showing the world how you see it. Which is pretty much awesome.
I love it in Black & White, like Fellini or really old pictures. Or technicolor wonder like the 70's acid trips. Or even pictures that don't originally turn out, but end out turning freaking awesome after some editing. You all know what I mean? I hope so. If not, check out picnik.com. Not the best editing service, but it works. And it's for free! :)

But creating environments, feelings, emotions on a simple 8 by 10 sheet of paper. That's cool. It's the whole "creating something out of nothing" idea that gets me.
The phrase "Take a picture, it will last longer" comes to mind, and I begin thinking about how many pictures I take-- of random stuff, on my phone, places I love, stuff I love, or just edgy and odd subject manner photos. Or those memories. Or the memories where you have a mental camera. The thing is, sometimes they do last longer than the picture, for example the paper can tear away, it can have water damage and burned edges (if you're like me, that could be a positive)... you are capturing a beautiful moment in your life for forever. That's magic isn't it? In basic Webster definition. Or when your printer is losing ink and all you have is neon paper and your printing out a picture of Jesus and a French actor (don't ask me, multiple art projects) and you feel like a modern Andy Warhol creating prints. Just an example... :)
But if you've read Perks than maybe this quote makes some sense, "There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer. -Ansel Adams", when he talks about how Craig would take a picture of Sam, and how he would take a picture of her. It was in my brain when this quote showed up, and it's true. It's all how the photographer takes the photo, and their eye, in accordance with the viewer's point of view. Someone may see it as awe-inspiring, while someone next to you may not understand it at all. But that's art in general for you, and people.

"Everyone has a photographic memory, but not everyone has film." This is in relation to filming. In filming concerts, certain ones I film more, partly because sound is good, but there are exceptions-- the ones where I just want to be there, in the moment, not watching it on the little screen on my camcorder. But to capture those moments, and be able to re-watch them, and in return re-live them, that's probably the best part. Filming is so beautiful in that way...
Photography and film also seem to connect directly to the subject- whether it be an object, person, animal, landscape, yada, yada, yada... They seem to take that precious moment and see the truth and authenticity of the situation, person, or object. Whether they like it or not. If inanimate objects have emotions, well we do yell at them... I'm writing this at 5:30 am yeah... and that's what inspires me to pick up my camcorder, phone, or camera... hope it inspires you too...



That was on my mind today.

Pi

Finally a film post!
:)


I've missed writing on the magical world that is film.
I felt like watching this particular film because of having a discussion on popular films and various other media road tripping. We were all talking about how Requiem for a Dream (also directed by Darren Aronofsky) doesn't make you ever want to take drugs, and how it was freaky, and how we all have either watched Pi or planned to. So I decided to watch it.
It is the story of a gifted, talented mathematician (Maxamillion Cohen- on left) whose sees math and patterns in every aspect of life, and with that discovery he finds a new challenge-- trying to decipher the pattern of the stock market. One of the most fluctuating things this world offers. With this, and his advanced computer, he tries to figure out the pattern, but with this inquisition that leads him to new people, like number theorists who are figuring out the pattern of the Talmud, where they are both seeking out a 216 number sequence. But, as things seem to calculate and make sense and be equal, things change. Chaos erupts. And therefore with all the reinforcements he receives, he begins to lose sanity.
This was such an interesting film, with all the math sequences that reminded me of my geometry class, with the Fibonacci sequence, the eternal spiral that is used in all sorts of situations, whether it be Van Gogh, or in modern technology. I also was reminded of Fellini (8 1/2), which oddly enough I suggested in the conversation, mainly because of the imagery and the intense thoughts and way of filming-- you watch a man's life and yet you hear and see his thoughts. There really is nothing like movies like that. A black and white, trippy, visually entertaining film. Those kind of movies always seem to impress me. Darren Aronofsky always seems to do that. I also was thinking of Fight Club when I was watching it. So if that doesn't make you want to watch it, then I say watch it. Or any of the other films referenced. Even Metropolis, which is a silent sci-fi film that is filled with scientific, 1984, Steampunk elements. Look at the picture below.


I've noticed watching these films, Requiem for a Dream, Pi, and The Wrestler, that Darren seems to have an eye for cinematic innovation and ideas, all while watching someone going into a pit of despair, yet it is so hauntingly beautiful. Even when cringing at the image in front of you. Watch the films, there's that one point in all of them... don't let that scare you out of them. They are masterpieces. Who said that everything had to be all "dandelions and sunshine" to be beautiful? Whether it is about a down- and- out wrestler from the 80's bringing out a comeback in his life, a mathematician on the brink of a major discovery, or a family striving for their dreams- whatever they may be, he tells their story in such an interesting way that you will not forget. And that is a true mark of a good film.

Had to write on it, just watched it last night...

Mercury Program

Ok, let me tell you a story of how I heard of this band.

It's not super interesting, it's just cool. Well, I'm working with a band on filming some stuff, and asked who their all-time favorite bands and musicians were. The drummer said Mercury Program, I have never heard of them so I looked them up on Amazon. So just to make sure, I sent the url to him to make sure...
It was the correct one.
He suggested picking up A Data Learn the Language and All the Suits Began to Fall Off. I listened to both, and both of which were great.
They are electronica, electric, calming, soothing...
I can't put them into words. Let me say that none of their stuff has lyrics. So I have no context to work off of... just the beats and rhythms that speak instead of a vocalist.

I love to listen to this music when I am working on a project, I don't feel stressed and it is filled with such great beats that I find myself nodding and bobbing my head to it without even noticing. Then after listening to it, I am still remembering those beats. It also helps me focus. I can't explain why. Mercury Program also puts your brain into a trance, into a zone... personally, that's probably why I love it.
They are compared to Explosions in the Sky, but honestly I like Mercury Program more.
So when I went to a record store (Vertigo) in Grand Rapids, because they seriously carry everything, and if not the owner will get it for you. No joke. And he will legitimately know what your talking about, no matter how obscure. So, I looked for some Mercury Program albums, couldn't find any... which made me sad, but I found an import of a Joy Division. I can never leave this store without spending an hour looking around and without buying something.
But my brother and I were scouring the used section, and we found both of the CDs. YAY! Both of which cost less than the Joy Division. So I bought them.
Then when I got home, listened to them...
Realized how f***ing amazing they are. They do not need lyrics, listen to "Sultans of el Sur"... that will set it straight.
My favorite out these two: A Data Learn the Language.
Favorite songs: "Sultans of el Sur," "Fragile or Possibly Extinct," "You Yourself are Too Serious" & "Egypt."
With this band, and a few others, I have realized how amazing electronica, ambient, post-rock really is.
So I thank you Elijah.
I still don't know why it is good drummer music... ah, will have to ask him later.

Perks Playlist

Well, if you have read my post on Perks of Being a Wallflower, this post makes more sense. But I have to write on it, or give the playlist to you. The thing is, you miss out on why it is so special (in accordance to the book), but it pretty dang special otherwise. It is the playlist, the main character (Charlie) gives to his friend, Patrick, it is titled winter. Weird, I'm writing this as spring is coming... maybe that's a sign. :)
This post is also long overdue.

Here's the list: I'll breakdown the songs, I was going to do my favorites, then realized I love them all...
"Asleep"-- The Smiths.
"Vapour Trail"-- Ride
"Scarborough Fair"-- Simon & Garfunkel
"A Whiter Shade of Pale"-- Procol Harem
"Time of No Reply"-- Nick Drake
"Dear Prudence"-- The Beatles
"Gypsy"-- Suzanne Vega
"Nights in White Satin"-- The Moody Blues
"Daydream"-- Smashing Pumpkins
"Dusk"-- Genesis
"MLK"-- U2
"Blackbird"-- The Beatles
"Landslide"-- Fleetwood Mac
"Asleep"-- The Smiths.

I fall asleep to this mix whenever I can't sleep, or when my mind won't turn off. Have to say, it's pretty amazing. It makes him feel "infinite," which I understand completely. There is something for about everyone on this playlist too...

Asleep by The Smiths.
Amazingness, I have listened to a little of The Smiths, but never like this. I listen to this song as I start to fall asleep... puts my head at the place where I need to be, somehow sways me even though I am not moving. This song is so sad, but yet it is so beautiful. Because of this one song, I am a forever fan of The Smiths. I have yet to own an album, but whatever one it is-- it will have this song on it. The lyrics are awe-inspiring and leave you breathless.
Listen for the mood and then for the lyrics. I also listened to the playlist while reading the book-- which I highly suggest.

Vapour Trail by Ride.
After a slow song by The Smiths, it comes out with a bang... I don't know where I first heard this song, but I know I've heard it before. Their style comes through, and it's odd how the musical moods and styles directly relate to the book. (Read if you are reading this post-- Trust me)
Did I mention this mix has the most awesome transitions? I hope my mixes can do that... need some blank CDs.
It is just so fantastic.

Scarborough Fair by Simon & Garfunkel
"Parsley... Sage ... Rosemary... and... Thyme," a classic line from this song, yet so melodic and just plain amazing. One of my favorite songs that I grew up listening to...
Once again, listen to it.

A Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harem.
Every one has heard this song. Well, I think every one has. Classic, trippy 60's song. Enough said, it's fantastic. Reminds me of old 60's movies that I love to watch, or movies inspired by that time period. Like The Virgin Suicides.

Time of No Reply by Nick Drake.
Heard of Nick Drake before, but never knew it was him. Everytime I listen to the playlist, I can't stop and take notice of this song.Time of No Reply is beautifully written, it takes me back when I listen to it. This song is about new hope, a new day... a time of pondering, or no reply. A time of enjoying a song that always inspires you...This is a command. Listen to this song. If you don't, I will force you. haha, but I wish I could. You're missing out. Listen to this. Now. There is a reason for all this forcing...

Dear Prudence by The Beatles
Ok, anyone see Across the Universe, that imagery I still have in my head when it comes on-- whether it be a commercial, Beatles retrospect, whatever. I love this song, once again grew up listening to it. Having music fanatics as parents is awesome...especially when they were alive during some of my favorite musical times, even if they didn't like the music I love from that time.

Gypsy by Suzanne Vega.
From the start of this song, your brain is calmed down, stresses are relieved and you sway to the rhythm and it's like a hippie, kumbaya song. I think of the daughter of Tom Laughlin, of Billy Jack singing this ballad... So pretty, your mind is at ease.

Nights in White Satin by The Moody Blues.
Classic song. Enough said. I grew up listening to the Moody Blues too...

Then my brain hits the point of almost deep sleep.

Daydream by Smashing Pumpkins.
Daydream starts with this high pitched voice, and carries the thought that I'm falling deep into asleep. This playlist is pure amazing. Steven Chbosky, you have amazing music taste.
But then the song switches up, and gets a little louder and brain chemicals have no clue what the heck is going on... haha. I like psychology.

Dusk by Genesis.
Dusk is when I know I am falling asleep and dream mode button is pushed. Everything gets quiet except for the song playing... this song is so cool.

MLK by U2.
Bono sings this song... bringing me into Dreamworld. Where imagination awaits you, except it's not Disneyland, but it can be. A real calm song. Makes you sleepy, yet so pretty. All about your dreams, about life or in sleep.

Blackbird by The Beatles.
Probably one of most favorite songs done by The Beatles. Hands-down. *hear everyone around you slam hands down on table* It is such a great song. So simple, lyrics, inspiration, so simply loverly. Listen to this song.

Landslide by Fleetwood Mac.
Another 60's classic. Another song every one has heard. There's a reason for that. A song that is just great. Listen to it. Now. Heck, listen to the playlist-- in order!

Asleep by The Smiths.
Wondering why this is an alpha and beta song? aka beginning and end. This song ends the statement of the playlist. It needs to be there.. my brain is now shutting off and I am off into deep, amazing sleep...

Dreamworld approaches, and going to bed happy and knowing that I will have a good night's rest. Hope you enjoy all these songs and the book. I know I did.
This book has been that connection that strengthens a friendship, or creates a new one, or you realize a random person and you have some connection. I don't know, this book is something special.

Please listen to it. you will never regret reading or listening. :)

I love Cake!

Ok, my friends have been hearing me repeatedly mention this band. I love Cake. Not the dessert, but the band. Really I do. You can thank my brother and mother for picking up the CD, Fashion Nugget at record store. I picked up two used Mercury Program CDs. I'll write on them later.

But seriously, this band is awesome. I've been listening to this and metal, and Mercury Program for a weeks-- with some folk thrown in for good measure. Yeah, I like many musicial styles. :)

Now, let me try to describe their music. Their vocalist sounds like Elvis Costello, John Lennon, and various other bands. Then you hear lyrics that make you laugh, and make you think. Which I happen to love. Some examples, "sheep go to heaven, goats go to hell" with a delightful tune in the background, then "I had a match, she had a ligght-er" talking about Mexico. This band is great. I listen to "The Distance" in the morning when getting ready, and then my day goes a little bit better with that smile and laugh at the beginning of my day. They are hard to describe, so listen to "Friend is a Four Letter Word," "Satan is my Motor," "Stickshifts and Safteybelts," "Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps" and various others. I have a long list of great songs by them. Funny how they all make me laugh, but yet they are all so true, wit, gotta love it.

Most of the songs are on that album right here-->

But this band took me by surprise when I realized I was, well... addicted. Happily addicted. They bring some humor back into music, even though this album was produced a while back, it still remains new in music today. Pretty awesome. They do this indie rock hip-hop, with sarcasm and randomness. Which is great.

They most definitely have their own style, and have that alternative rock feel that the ninties were so famous for, and that is part of what makes them so great-- seeing that style of music is what I grew up listening to, along with large variety of stuff.

So check them out, you won't regret it, and you will probably get a laugh out of it.

http://www.myspace.com/cake

http://www.cakemusic.com

Unplugged @ Howell Nature Center

I went to this show, seeing that recently I've been supporting the Howell and Livingston County scene. It was super cool, driving down in the woods to this little cabin where when you step in, there's a fire and everything. It's in a lodge, everyone sitting on the floor, the room all dark with a scoop light on the artists with just some chairs. So beautifully simple. I felt like I was a Beat or something, with a post-concert sledding on a "b-wording" hill. haha

All the acts, which were like around 10 played, mainly just guitars and harmonicas. Such a cool environment and atmosphere. Acoustic shows are going to have a major competition to compete with this one. Here is a picture I took on my phone because I didn't want to record this show-- you had to be there.

And it was all for Habitat for Humanity. How sweet is that? Four hours of great music, played acoustic of all these local artists. It was nothing more than inspiring, all this talent in one room, where literally you are chilling with the artists right next to you. Probably one of the coolest shows I've been to. I almost felt like I was in Hunter Thompson's barn, but without the drunk and guns part. haha
But seriously, this show is hard to top. With the free pop and snacks, atmosphere that was strictly amazing. I still can't quite put it into words. It was so casual, I was wanting to grab a pillow and lay down-- and I probably could have during that show. Where else can that happen? Everyone was just super comfortable, like hanging out in the basement jamming-- except it was acoustic. Like an open mic night but there was an order of sets. Everyone sang along, clapped along, swayed along to the beats and songs played... And probably around 8-10 acts played, for $5. All that talent in one room.
Here's the list that I remember:
Jeff Pianki (pic above): http://www.myspace.com/jeffpiankimusic
Steven Schlaack: http://www.myspace.com/schlaakmusic
Carter Moulton: http://www.myspace.com/cartermoulton
Tiger! Tiger!: http://www.myspace.com/tigertiger
Versus the Ocean: http://www.myspace.com/vsocean
Apathetic Critic: http://www.myspace.com/apatheticcritic
Good Weather for Airstrikes (members played throughout the night): http://www.myspace.com/gwfaband
Audrey: http://www.myspace.com/audreymichigan
Roll Over Radio: http://www.myspace.com/rolloverradio
Enjoy all the music! :)
Probably one of the coolest, casual, amazing shows I have been to yet...
and all for charity. :)