A Local Show-- last weekend :)

I finally was able to go to a local show! It was awesome, I was there to see some friends play and hear some new music too. Went with a friend who knew a lot of people there, so it was even better! Thanks Liz! Met some awesome people. And did I forget to mention it was my last day of school also?? Oh yes. That was just the icing on the cake, per say. It was at the Snuggly Mug or The MUG in Bay City. One of my favorite indie venues, especially after making more room moving the counter :)

Well, we got there early for the show, and was hanging out on the couch in the back, I was downing a Monster Mean Bean (I was up @ 5am for a Senior Breakfast) and chilling with the artists before the show started.

First up was Artificial Heroes. A band I've never heard before. They played an acoustic set, which is odd for this group from Bay City, who generally play non-acoustic. And with reading their blog on their myspace, they are going through a member change and they pulled together a great show despite some minor setbacks.

Then We Are! Ghosts set up their equipment, and they were pretty sweet. A band from Bay City, not quite how to describe them: a bit pop, alt, rock... talked to Pete their bass player before the show, and overheard him talking about how this has been a cool pick-up kind of band! Awesome stuff! **hope you don't mind, Pete! haha


Then This April or Zach Burger played his set, playing some older songs and his recent EP, Ups & Downs. He is also mentioned in a post from December, and his EP is reviewed also. Check it out. It was cool to hear it live again after 7 months, and hear some new material. It was awesome. And yes, Zach I payed attention to the lyrics. For being the only solo act, it was great as always. I also liked being able to talk to you for longer than 10 minutes haha. Oh he is also in a metal band, links at bottom.






Brites were next. Chad, Michelle, Tyler, Hannah. The theremin was played, banjo, bass, drums, xylophone. Love their unique sound and their covers are great :) I've heard them at the show before, but they were just as awesome as always...also had fun chilling with Chad and Michelle outside afterwords, bowing, dancing, hugging, chatting... had a blast.
And they just had a CD release, coming soon! :)
Calcaska, a band I've heard about but never heard until this fateful night. Chad made a quick change, then their set started. An alternative, rock, indie band from Flushing area that got their start a few years ago... they played a set full of energy, people started dancing, clapping, it was awesome. Never heard before, but for sure I'll be going to their EP release in late June @ Fischer Hall.



All around a great show to end the year of school on, chilling with friends, making new ones, new music... what more could a girl wish for?

Here are their links:
Artificial Heroes:
http://www.myspace.com/artificialheroesbaycity
We Are! Ghosts:
http://www.myspace.com/weareghostsband
This April/Zach Burger:
http://www.myspace.com/thisapril
Come Find the Lion (metal band)-- also their EP has been written on:
http://www.myspace.com/comefindthelion
Brites:
http://www.myspace.com/britesband
Calcaska:
http://www.myspace.com/calcaska

Links to their EPs are on the sites :)

Brites - Dim Moon

This is their first major album release, they are from all around Michigan. I've heard them live twice, both same venue at the Snuggly Mug, Bay City. If you read my December postings they are mentioned, by the way. But now that I've actually talked to Chad and Michelle, I think it's time I put up an album review. It was fun acting like mimes, bowing, dancing, curtsying outside after the show and talking about art :) It was just an awesome show all around :)
Brites are an indie, pop, folk band from Clio, MI, but with the times they have changed locations a few times... with college and life. They are influenced by many different musical genres and artists. The first song, "Oh, Angela! Queen of the Falling Frozen Water" sticks true to their own style, using Michelle's flute styling with the banjo. It is one of my favorite songs with a fantastic hook that is used throughout the whole song. The simple phrase "I won't, I can't wait anymore.. for the familiar. for you" with the music, it just sounds awesome. "Once Friend, Twice Again" moves at a slower pace, with a quieter tone yet keeps an uptight tempo that they are known to have, "in the most tired hours, he sounds the beat, and he answered our prraaaaaaayerrs" awesome, this song is relatively mellow but awake enough to keep your brain connecting, yet you can sleep to it. "Swimming Poultry" is next, the calm lyrics are accompanied by the relaxing drums with the twangs of the banjo and guitar. So pretty. The harmonies bring it together and make it easy to sway to. "It Coughs Up, It's Fine" proceeds, starting with the banjo with the chorus being one giant hook, with the drums bringing it together and a bob of the head begins..."The Iargo Springs" is more upbeat, with a folk pop sound much like Sufjan Stevens-- one of the artists who they cover very well :) The next tune is "The Jubbjub Bird and the Bandersnatch are the Least of our Problems" and the title clearly shows a love of Lewis Carroll's childhood story, Alice in Wonderland and it takes a more rapid beat using the many instruments that they have the talent to play, and with all the noises it creates an atmosphere much like that of Alice's world. "Inside the Upside Down House Home" is next. I instantaneously know this song because it one that is a mainstay on their live sets. Why is that? Great involvement of many instruments and a great song that changes paces. "Luna" is next and is one of their most listened to songs, so you should check it out! "West Michigan," a song about where they go to college, with the harsh winters and changing seasons. Overall a wonderful indie/pop/folk album, with songs that are filled with humor, Alice in Wonderland references, many instruments being utilized to create a distinct sound that is Brites.

SLC Punk!

Ok, I'm super surprised I haven't written on this ah-mazing film yet.
It's in my top 10. No joke.
Well, I watched it this morning while waiting to go to school to finish up a few projects. I have a lot more free time, so more movies are being watched :)
So here it is.

Personally, I love this film. It's the story of being a punk in Salt Lake City, or the SLC. Stevo is the main character, played my Matthew Lillard (Scooby Doo, Without A Paddle) and his best friend, Heroin Bob (see the movie to hear why his name is that, it's not what you think) who are punk anarchists in the mid 80's in this city. Along with their friend, Trish, a owner of a "head shop" and other members of the various tribes we see the life of a true punk. Stevo tells us his opinions on war, love, fights, rebellion, freedom, posers, what have you. Some of them actually bring up really strong points about whatever group you think you belong to. It's hard to describe. The music is fantastic, filled with old-school punk from that time. Singing along to The Clash, The Ramones, Sex Pistols, and I think some Dead Kennedy's is played. Well, they live in a religiously oppressive city, one where the major religion dominates the major things that are allowed there. So the punk movement is strong, of course. That's what it's all about. Super interesting movie, whether you are interested in the punk movement/ideas or not.
There's this one scene, right after he finishes high school where he is talking with parents, about love, rebellion, freedom, and his parents do not understand his footlong blue mohawk while they chat about their rebellious times where growing your hair out long and wearing paisley... yet they don't understand. Generation gap.
This is a movie you must watch through the end. If you don't, you will be left with an assumed position that is not necessarily correct. And the end makes it all amazing, puts it all together. Trust me, watch this. It's amazing. It wouldn't be in my top 10 list if it wasn't.
I can't give too much away, so rent it. Watch it somehow.
Stevo's rants will make you think long after the DVD is put away and returned...reason enough to watch. Other than the music, philosophies, and awesomeness that is SLC Punk!
A film that fully embraces a true punk spirit, yet teaches lessons in a wild way, that leaves you thinking at the end of the hour and a half feature...

Listen to: The Smiths, The Clash, Ramones, Sex Pistols.

Juno

I just watched this again. Love starting movies at midnight. It's like the 20th time I've seen it, but for the record I haven't watched it in a while, so it was with kinda fresh eyes. The basic story is a sixteen year old girl is bored, has sex with her best friend, Paully and she gets pregnant and finds adoptive parents. Yeah, that's true and all. But I guess what I love in this is the humor in every scene, the sarcastic, slang slinging, funny catch phrases that come out. Completely random. Like the hamburger phone. Or the music choices. The Melvins, Mott the Hoople, MewithoutYou, Bowie cover, a lot of cool stuff. Basically, you are laughing the whole way through. And it's sharp witted like you wouldn't believe. Love that.
The odd thing that I realized when watching this, it's a lot like Rushmore (Wes Anderson), except it's not quite as awkward. Trust me, if you've seen it you know what I'm talking about. Similar humor, but so wildly different. It looked interesting so I watched it. So should you.

Whip It!

I am a sucker for Ellen Page films. Just saying. Also just got done watching it...so it's fresh in my mind and I'm buying this when I have cash. It's 3am. I have worked my butt off all week on schoolwork staying up till 2 and need to crash, but what am I doing? Writing this blog listening to Cake and other random music. But this movie needs to be told about, yeah it got a lot of hype but people should actually watch it, not talk just about it. First off, here's a fun fact: The restaurant portion was filmed in my small town. The pig?? Yeah, that's been around the area for a while, being decorated by local businesses. I think that's pretty awesome. Seeing it on the way to school makes me smile. Now, a bit more. An old diner was transformed to become a location. Proud of that, especially with the film industry moving itself to Michigan to help the economy. I applaud that :) More and more filming is going to be happening here, which makes me so elated, I can't even describe. So please be excited that all this business is coming here, I know I am.

But this story is so much cooler than that. And it's oddly ironic with my life.. read on... WARNING: possibly I slip in some spoilers, but I'll try not to ;)

This story takes place in Bodeen, TX. Small town. Bliss (main character- Ellen Page) goes to school, works at the Oink Joint, and does pageants for her mom even though she doesn't believe in them. Then one day they visit Austin (so want to visit there), where they visit this vintage shop where the team of Roller Derby girls comes in announcing their newest game. Liz is then hooked, wanting to go see it. She goes. Sees a whole new life ahead of her. The thing is with Roller Derby, it's more than just tough girls beating the crap out of each other...it's female empowerment. It's this kinda thing where this idea is now being talked about, where girls are getting their aggression out in a good way with people who care about them instead of getting in trouble. Makes sense. Think about it. But when she learns that she loves it, Bliss finds another family instead of her dull life in Bodeen. After her first game, at the after party she meets this awesome musician dude-- in all honesty, I wish he had better hair haha, who with a cute smile and sense of humor with great music taste captures her heart.
That's the beginning. No spoilers yet :)
Her best friend, who is trying to get into Ivy League schools is common, we all have a friend doing that, or know of someone like that. Another thing that makes me love this film. The relation to my actual life, which is kinda freaky, but in a good way.

WARNING: Kinda-sorta spoiler.

It's weird, I live in a small town that I don't necessarily love and been considering moving closer to the city so I can be closer to the things and people I love, and it's all about finding yourself and being yourself. Being a strong, independent woman-- who is a complete bada$$. I am all for that! I guess that's where it relates to me, I am normally going for my own thing while everyone else has their own lives to worry about,I live in small town, friends with musicians, and I am thinking about moving closer to the city...but one thing that sticks out from the film is that one of the characters say "don't throw out your old family because you have a new one," trying to do that, but have made better friends who actually know and care about the same things, who relate to me more...who understand. You don't have to explain certain things, they already know. For example, one of my newest, really good friend and I started talking to because we like similar music or well he started talking to me. I don't have to explain who Tom Waits is. Or Fellini. Or James Dean. Oh my God, that would be awful. I'd be sad. Know what I mean?
Also, you get to learn about Roller Derby. It's awesome,it's like football with rollerskates. Tough, contact sport. Kind of reminds me of soccer/rugby too. But a bit vicious. It is also a sub-culture thing, not everyone knows about it. Nor do they care to know. The Roller Derby idea hasn't hit everywhere, even though it would be awesome if it did. Oh, the music in this film is fantastic, I had to keep pulling out my phone to figure out who the artists are with Song ID.
Drew Barrymore directed this and has a guest spot in it. It's her directorial debut, and with all her film experience shows she can do this. It was an awesome feature, showing something current (with the insight into Roller Derby) with a mainstay theme of growing up. It's awesome, from the art direction, idea, all of it. And I'm really tempted to try it, even though when I put on rollerskates the last time, I fell. An epic fall, but it was hilarious so I didn't care :)

I'm buying this. Going to watch it again this weekend. When I'm supposed to be studying.

Photo Credits of Non-Whip It! Roller Derby pics: Lisa Lin Olsen. Thanks!
They are taken at a local Roller Derby league... no actors.
And I did watch Juno too. Ellen Page double-feature. And I'm going to watch Whip It! again... like within the next hour or two...

Damien Rice's O

I have heard of Damien Rice plenty of times, but discovered his music when going through random YouTube Paolo Nutini trails, he sang "La Fille Danse" by the way that song isn't on this album but even in two different languages it still remains awe-inspiring. His female accompaniment, Lisa Hannigan creates an creative and unique spin with his voice. O starts with the song, "Delicate" which it is in many ways, from the soft vocals and calming words of his love, even though it may be a confused love and treating everything delicately in the relationship. "Volcano" is one of my favorites on this record, I don't really know why. The lyrics are amazing, for example "You give me miles and miles of mountains/And I'll ask for the sea" even though they are sweet and heartfelt, and with Lisa's own style to add a different spin on things. Damien Rice is an Irish singer-songwriter, born in Dublin who has hit up most of the major folk festivals around the world, known for his talent with words and with playing many instruments, such as guitar, cello, violin, piano, and drums. He can be a one man band. He started in a band Juniper, where they produced singles and got signed, but after not enjoying that success he ventured going solo, which O is an example of this. "The Blower's Daughter" was the initial hit from the album, with good reason. A simple, beautiful love song that starts with "And so it is/Just like you said it would be/Life goes easy on me/Most of the time," what can I say. Just listen to it. His collaboration with Lisa is like Glen Hansard's and Marketa Irglova's of Once and The Frames. Maybe it's the Irish singer-songwriter thing that I like. It just works. I don't quite know. Well, "Cannonball" proceeds, and it's strange, how in this album all I want to do is just give you lyrics to give you the hint of what the song is like... not describe it myself. Let Damien speak through it through his words...or his words say it better. So here they are, "Stones taught me to fly/Love, it taught me to lie/Life, it taught me to die/So it's not hard to fall/When you float like a cannonball." Holy crap. Amazing. I am in awe of lyrics like that. Those are the kind of lyrics that I listen to over and over again because of how well they intertwine with the musical composition and yet it is filled with so much emotion. Holy crap. Now, the next song has started playing, "Older Chests" that brings me back to old Celtic folk tales, like in the portion of lyrics "They watch their city change/Children scream, or so it seems,/Louder than before/Out of doors, into stores with bigger names/Mama tried to wash their faces/But these kids they lost their graces/And daddy lost at the races too many times." A modern folk song, so I'd say. I love how he puts words together and creates a story, a scene, a passing of time. The change of pace transitions, as "Amie" a song about growing up, maturing, filled with guitars and violins that produces such great emotional depth that makes you feel the same emotions he feels. "Cheers Darlin' " follows, and it sort of reminds me of M. Ward's cover of Bowie's "Let's Dance" with the similar atmosphere and attitude of dancing and singing with your lover, even though the songs are so different. That's a combination. Bowie+ Damien Rice+ M. Ward. Imagine that collaboration. I'd buy it. But that's just me. "Cold Water" starts out with piano playing, and is a duet of Damien and Lisa's, where they sing of always loving each other. Oh so mellow, and yet so calming at the same time. I've switched from listening on my speakers to earbuds, so much better. I can't quite describe the deep, bass like voices during the choruses but they are freaking amazing with their ability to fill the room. Lisa starts out the next song, "I Remember" is all her; writing about how she remembers the times with Damien when they were dating, falling in love. Then Damien unexpectedly comes in with a cry begging to be back together. They are split up, by the way. I love the guitars at the end of this. Awesome. Competely unforeseen. "Eskimo" ends the album, with a 16 minute tribute to his "eskimo friend when he's down." Whoever that eskimo friend may be, that friend is very lucky. His lyrics are amazing. "Tiredness fuels empty thoughts/I find myself disposed/Brightness fills empty space/In search of inspiration/Harder now with higher speed" That's all I have to say. And even when "Eskimo" seems over, keep on listening. Now listen to the album on repeat and you won't be sorry.

7 Tattoos: A Memoir in the Flesh by Peter Trachtenburg

I just finished reading this book last night, and since I haven't put any literature stuff up on here lately, thought why not?
Honestly I loved this book, partly because of my interest in tattoo design and the stories and reasons why the person is inked. And how they got it done, feelings when the got it done...the whole story I guess. I forgot to mention he was a short fiction author before this literary endeavor. And the book delivered. I love how into tattoo design Peter is, and how he brings up origins of his sketches, and that he actually visited the places where they were inspired by. Super cool. I don't know how he did this, but the whole time I felt like I was chatting with him in a tattoo shop, with the needles going off with Slam (his main tattoo artist) giving him a touch-up or a new design, yet deeply know him as a person. And somehow his style of writing reminds me of Chuck Palahnuik, talking about times in his life in the Village when he was a drug addict. But I really liked his honesty, with the situation and himself. That's hard to pull off. Peter discusses his travels to Malaysia to see the real tribal tattoos to see the Dayaks that started the trend to where it is now considered a classic design category, and the curiosity in that intrigued me. I also want to travel. His references to all sorts of things made me enjoy the book even more-> whether it be music, films, or just popular culture. It felt like he was talking to me, not just babbling about his tattoos. His life story is on his body, with the art that reflects his life-- in most ways throughout life that creates many different meanings. For example, a few of his tattoos are religious based, and seeing that he went to a Jewish religious school it makes sense, but he isn't strictly any religion-- which I also find to be interesting and admire in this literature. While reading the book, whether it be before bed, on the beach, or just relaxing I always wanted to read more and didn't want to put my bookmark in. My brother and mother both read this before I did, and they are both tattooed, and they said it was a great book. I honestly agree. It hits more on just the art, it touches on adolescence,world religions, people (in general) and our life's stories. Which I am really into hearing people's and learning from them, and telling them to more people (if they permit, of course). It is a journey of him finding himself and reflecting his life using his 7 tattoos. Fantastic book. The writing is real, raw, edgy and holds nothing back, and a delight to read if you are interested in unique autobiographies, tattoos in general and in depth, people's stories and psychology, relationships (any), Darren Aronoskfy films and Chuck Palahnuik books and concepts, even Tom Waits too. :)

Starting Stranger than Fiction by Palahnuik tonight. No it is not the Will Ferrell movie, it is a collection of stories about the oddities of the world we live in. My brother just finished it also.

This book also made me incredibly excited for Kat Von D's sophomore book- The Tattoo Chronicles which is going to be released on October 26, 2010. =]

Check them out!