Balcony

Naturally, the last time we were at the Dodge Theater, and when I bought the tickets, we got some real lousy seats. It was for a Coldplay concert, and we were way up near the back. In fact, the technical term is balcony. The thing is, we could see just fine, until people started standing on the entrance ramp up unto the balcony, thus blocking our view of the show and it's many colored lights. However, I am quite glad that the wheel of fate decided to award us good seats for an especially notable performance. In other words, you can't beat being able to see a band perform as opposed to squinting your eyes to make out which fuzzy dot is Dave Ghrol.

I wish I had more to say, but I really don't. So, you might as well go off now.

-Brock

Foo Fighting

I procrastinated on buying tickets to the Foo Fighters show until last night. They play Monday night. I guess it worked out to my advantage, though. I ended up with tickets on the main concourse, row 15! That's the best seats I've gotten at a major venue since Lollapalooza '94! Of course, I haven't been to many large venues since then, but it's still exciting to get decent seats.

The Transplants will be opening up. I'm excited for that one. I'm a big fan of Tim Armstrong. Love that voice of his. However, I'm very confused and distraught since I've heard their single Diamonds and Guns during a shampoo commercial! What happened there?? Tim, don't let me down!!!

Pumpkin-Head

Believe me, I was also asking that question. Dinosaur Jr., aside from being influential upon numerous rock legends (Kurt Cobain for one) also boasts J. Mascis, who is perhaps the best guitarist/songwriter of the entire 80's and 90's. Yet, no mention of them whatsoever. But then again, you have to keep in mind that this is an MTV poll, and as such, respected groups like U2 and Depeche Mode are placed next to NSync, etc...
I have to also go with Radiohead, although I just about nearly picked The Smashing Pumpkins. For one, Billy Corgan was far more reaching in the mid-90's then any of these teen groups today. However, Radiohead won out because (a) Like Gabe said, they're current, and they'll be around for a while. (2) Billy Corgan has admitted to Radiohead being one of his personal favorites in past interviews. So naturally I figured that there'd be no hard feelings...heh heh.

What Else Is New?

That would be the Dinosaur Jr. song.

It will be interesting to see the results of that poll. After much internal deliberation, I chose Radiohead. I wanted to pick a band that's been around and has had much influence, but Radiohead's ability to be diverse and very talented outweighed that. Besides, they're already influential and they'll be around for quite a while. The Smashing Pumpkins were right up there with Radiohead. U2 was a contender, especially since I think they've had some influence on Radiohead. The Police, The Smiths and The Replacements also were contenders. The other long running, influential bands I'm just not a fan of. Where was Dinosaur Jr.?

Carson weeping

The DInosaur Jr. song I suggested was the one where J. Mascis sings, "I'd like to see You-ooo-OOO. I'm sure all of the Mascis fans reading this will know which one I am taking about (despite the fact that I don't).

So, I want to rally the troops for a moment here. You see, I ended up picking America Graffiti as my film to review. Someone else took A Clockwork Orange, which, is fine. I have no problems, because Graffiti is a great film. So nix on the whole, "you tell Brock what to pick" idea. However, I did stumble upon this poll at MTV. (This is where you, the troops, the eyes clouded with static, come into play) You see, this poll is set up to help you pick the best band of the last 20 years. They've got a list of 22 bands up that you can choose from. Normally, I'd tell you to spoil the votes and pick Radiohead as the best band of the last 20 years, but they've got some other noteworthy choices on there too. The Clash, Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, STP...and so forth. So, check it out, and pick a good band. Keep in mind, good does not denote picking NSync or the Backstreet Boys. I dunno, but it would be cool to see some "non-boy band" accept the vote. Carson will be weeping...

Bankrupt On Playing?

No, not at all! I finished a rough take of Modest Mouse's Bankrupt On Selling. I have never completed a song all the way through! I'm very psyched! I hope to touch it up more, though, before I post it. Brock mentioned doing a Dinosaur Jr. song next. Great idea! Hopefully I'll do an original too.

Graffiti, guitars and games

It's stuff like this that makes me wish I had plenty of "free cash".

Mini Bosses was really cool, I liked it endlessly. The whole concept is fantastic, and as I stood there listening to them play, years upon years of childhood memories spent in front of the old' NES came flooding back.
The art walk was great too; we always see some interesting work.

So the movie I review and study will probably be either American Graffiti or A Clockwork Orange, that may depend upon what you think I should write about. I picked those two primarily because I've read plenty of material and thoughts on both of those films, and I think I grasp the various symbolisms behind the two well enough. Still, I'm stuck on which one to pick. Both films would give me a great paper, so I guess it really comes down to those two. Click on my e-mail if you'd like and tell me which film I should pick.

Aside from the usual, I'm quite sick. I'm amazed I was able to do much of anything today. I think I'll spend the rest of the day just lounging around...

Mini Bosses

Sure, Brock, if you feel like posting the list, do it! Perhaps Marco (probably our only reader) will email you his recommendation.

I became very busy this weekend, thus, I didn't have much time for recording my cover of Bankrupt On Selling. I did start it, though! It may be done by the end of the week.

Brock and I went to the Phoenix Art Walk again this month and it was quite enjoyable. There were some bands playing at one location and our friend, Josh, knew one of the bands - The Minibosses. We caught them on the way back and they rocked! They cover video game songs. How brilliant is that? Because of copyright issues, they do not have any releases. However, you can download their covers at their website. I love the Mega Man 2 cover.