Audio Learning Center has basically finished a new album. Just needs to be mixed and mastered. Can't wait. I really like their shiznit. That's all I have for now. Pretty quiet.
I heard that Whale Rider was Keisha Castle-Hughes' first movie. So in checking IMDB, it confirmed it. Then I noticed she's playing a Regal Leader in Star Wars: Episode III. More reason for Brock to see Whale Rider! And an appropriate role, as she was striving to be a leader in Whale Rider.
Yes, Loses Control has grown considerabley on me. It is more of a "rock" album, but distinguishable with Nanna's singing style and their cool licks and hooks.
Ok, time to talk about Hey Mercedes. Now, as you’re undoubtedly aware, their latest album, Looses Control, has been receiving some harsh criticism directed at the album’s pop-sensible nature. I think the easiest way for me to address this complaint is to simply regurgitate one of Gabe’s thoughts on the matter: “Pop nothin’”.
I was reading some of the reviews over at Amazon the other day when I found one fan comparing HM to Foo Fighters. I mention it because it really clarifies what Hey Mercedes is: an energetic rock band. Their debut EP was a catchy and rock driven, and Everynight Fire Works was an all out, take no prisoners, rock record, from start to finish. Looses Control merely builds upon that formula. In fact, Looses Control, in my opinion, will go down among the fans as boasting some of the band’s better songs (Police Police Me, Quality Revenge At Last).
Ultimately, I think it’s a worthy step for the band, and a perfect companion to Everynight Fire Works.
Hey Gabe, what's up? (I'm feeling much better now, don't worry 'bout me) Cool purchases! You'll have to let me see Whale Rider.
So, today Hulk and Whale Rider came out on DVD. Picked up both. The Hulk DVD got good reviews on the picture and sound. Should be fun to watch.
I saw Whale Rider in the theater and enjoyed it immensely. A rare movie that holds up on story and characters alone. Superb acting by the young lead actress. It's a movie, though, that I thought I wouldn't own. But I realized that it was small indie movie and needs all the support it can get. Support independent movies and music!!!
I'll post my thoughts on Hey Mercedes' new album tomorrow or something...
I finally got it today, and I've been listening to it. I just gotta let it sink in, maybe revisit Everynight Fire Works, do some soul searching (heh heh).
I'm almost over this sickness crap, and it's amazing because I actually managed to drag myself into math class tonight. “Brock takes a licking and keeps on ticking”.
Thanks for the encouragement Gabe. I feel better already, my sore throat is going away and I’ve got most of my energy back. By Friday or Saturday, I should be up and running again.
That’s too bad about Small Brown Bike though. It’s a bit of a downer too, because I was really looking forward to their show. Modest Mouse, Rocky Votolato and Small Brown Bike…it was a promising winter. It still is, but I agree with Gabe: let’s hope they don’t break up.
News today from Small Brown Bike:
Hey all, we are sorry to announce the cancellation of our upcoming tour dates due to personal issues. Our apologies go out to all of the people involved with setting up the tour, Selfmademan, The Vexers, The Oranges Band and those of you who were looking forward to the shows.
I hope the "personal issues" don't involve a possible band breakup.
Unfortunately, now I’m sick. Something seems to be going around down here in Phoenix. I woke up this morning with a sore throat and my voice gone. I could tell I was sick last night, but I didn’t think it would take a toll on me like this. To add insult to injury, a glass of water I was drinking in between sleep (to keep the sore throat away) tipped over on some of my CD’s. One of those CD’s happened to be OK Computer. At this point, I’m expecting my arm to get chopped off or something…
So many things have gone wrong in between yesterday and today, and I can only expect them to progressively spiral downward.
At least the Indiana Jones trilogy came out on DVD today. For those who complain that only one of the Indy movies is a truly great film, I present to you the alternative purchase that came out today. With that in mind The Temple of Doom doesn’t look so bad after all…
Yeah, I had some kind of cold. Feeling just fine now but still a little stuffed up.
It sounds like the Primus show was awesome. Here's a little review of the show from a local news source: REVIEW. Sold out show. Oh well, maybe there will be another chance.
I finally got those Modest Mouse tickets. I’m sure it’ll be a good show, but I don’t think it’ll sell out. Still, never hurts to be safe rather then sorry…
I also picked up Small Brown Bike’s “The River Bed” while I was at Zia’s. The more I listen to it the more it grows on me; “A Lesson to Remember” and “What’s Missing is Dead” are my favorite songs on the album thus far…
Last night Primus played in Phoenix, but we didn’t see them, as Gabe had gotten sick over the weekend. A bad chest cold, I hear. I hope Gabe gets better soon, and that he doesn't feel down about it. I read that Primus might work on a new album next year, so they’re sure to come back around again. Maybe they’ll do another double-set list too.
Today I finally got a chance to clean my room. I've had schoolwork and the all too familiar plea of procrastination halting my progress. Today however, I took care of one of my lengthier messes, namely my CD collection. Usually, when I finish listening to a CD I simply stash it away in a CD jacket or amongst stacks of other CD's. Today everything went back to its rightful place. It was neat though because I found some albums that I forgot about. It's like coming across a large chunk of your past whenever you re-explore some of your forgotten music:
"Hey, I remember that!”
"Oh yeah, I bought this one because they didn't have their other one"
"I remember Matt recommending this one to me."
Tomorrow I’m definitely going to get Marco and myself Modest Mouse tickets. If I wait any longer I can tell Alex is going to faint. I don’t think they’ll sell-out though, and Nita’s is a big place.
Ooo, an Aquabats DVD? Nice. Blackball Records, which is operated by one of the guys from Jawbreaker, not Blake, will be reissuing the infamous Dear You with bonus tracks and a video for "Fireman." Read about it here. While it may be their last and most popular album, old fans scorn it because it was much "poppier" than their earlier works. It's still awesome.
Next month, the new Aquabats DVD, Serious Awesomeness hits the streets. I'm hyped, it looks pretty cool judging by some of the stuff slated to be on the DVD, like:
