Proud representatives of the Air Guitar/Drum association

Maybe I should clarify what I meant when I said that I disliked The Bash on Ash. You see I've never been to a bad show there, in fact some of my favorite bands (Hey Mercedes, The Fire Theft) played at Bash. Nevertheless, I remain indifferent towards Bash. Why? Well for one, the sound there isn't great. Whoever works the sound doesn't seem to have the utmost pride in their work, and the result can be disastrous (Exhibit A: The Hey Mercedes show). Moreover, they have this cool lighting set up that looks really impressive when they turn it on, but they almost never turn it on. Little things like that irritate me in addition to the big gripe of bad sound. But like Gabe noted, the sound last night was better then it's been in a long time. And Dredg was cool: They had a bunch of weird paintings and tree branches littered around the stage. If I had a camera I would have taken a picture for you to see.

Oh, and what's up with the obnoxious fans? I mean, come on...I'm standing right here and you keep bumping into me. It's not like we're all crowded in, there's plenty of room for you to play air guitar over there. Yeah, the third guy who joined in played air guitar at one point… Before the show Gabe and I went to a little indie record store called East Side. At the store they had this huge dog and I'm almost 100% sure that they sick him on anyone who comes in asking where the nearest Sam Goody is. I need to get a dog like that...then no one will bounce into Gabe or I at a show.

Dredg Fan Idiots

Damn it! This is my second post. Blogger ate my first one, which was kind of lengthy.

Dredg was very good. They played well and had a good sound. The sound at The Bash was the best I've heard there. Dredg must've had their own sound tech.

Sometimes I feel like an idiot fan magnet. What did Brock and I do to have the two most annoying fans in the building (maybe even ever) stand right next to us? Completely annoying. How? They were bouncing around, bumping into us, swinging fists in the air, air drumming and yelling/screaming an obnoxious "YEAAAHHH!" twice a song. How clueless can you be about how annoying you are? A third guy even joined them for a couple songs, doing the same crap! They all knew each other too! They must be part of some "Annoy the Hell Out of Everyone You Can" fan club.

Wants, needs and desires

I would have popped in and said something, but I've sort of been leading a boring life this week. I'm trying to compile a list of the DVD's and Albums I currently want/need/desire.

I forgot that Dredg is tonight...that should be cool. I'm not crazy about Bash on Ash but it'll do. I think I must have gotten spoiled from hanging out at Modified last week.

Oh, and that mix CD I was working on got junked. I didn't like the track listing so I re-worked it. It's much better now.

• 2+2=5 ~ Radiohead


• Chain ~ The Fire Theft


• If That's How It's Gotta Be ~ J. Mascis and the Fog


• The Dream ~ Audio Learning Center


• See You In Hell ~ Small Brown Bike


• Burn ~ Year of the Rabbit


• Happy V-Day ~ Reggie and the Full Effect


• Of A Broken Heart ~ Zwan


• Svefn g englar ~ Sigur Rós


• Under Pressure ~ The Casket Lottery with Small Brown Bike


• Seven Nation Army ~ The White Stripes


• Cold Heart of Stone ~ Frank Black


• Static ~ Beck


• Hidden track Diamond Bollocks ~ Beck


• Hidden Track 2 Rabbit in your Headlights ~ Thom York with DJ Shadow

What up, y'all?

It's been a while. I expected to see some posts from Brock-O, but it appears he's also been in hiding. I've been extremely busy at work with little time for anything else. The other night I had to come into work at midnight and worked until 3:00 a.m. because of some phone issues. It sucks!

Well, tonight is Dredg at the Bash on Ash. It should be a good show. They have a good variety of songs on their first CD alone to make for an interesting show.

Infinite Keys...?

As you probably noticed, we changed the format for the blog. A few days ago Gabe suggested the idea to me alongside the fact that a new format would allow us to post links where everyone could see them. As much as I liked our robot format, this is better. Now you can see our e-mail addresses off to the right side (feel free to say hullo) and the archives are now easily selected from the lower table. But aside from the ease given in finding our links it’s also much more professional looking…in my opinion at least. Good work on selecting the format Gabe!

Last night my friend Alex and I joined two other friends at Modified to see Pedro the Lion perform. It was quite a show, but to my chagrin they didn’t play any solo-acoustic songs. Nevertheless, they put on a good show. Neither Alex nor I have heard much of Pedro’s music, but that didn’t hinder the set any. Even more astounding was the fact that they played without their keyboardist. I guess their van broke down in Texas and they had to leave him behind with it while they hit Modified. It was all around enjoyable though. I think I’m going to have to check out their albums as well as the opening act, Ester Drang.

Well that seals the deal, see you later…

Down the Rabbit Hole

You know, when you think about it, the original Matrix has transcended celluloid to become more then just your everyday box office hit. Much like previously acclaimed films such as 2001: A Space Odyssey or Pulp Fiction, the Matrix has managed to imprint itself upon our pop culture. The images of Neo dodging bullets and fighting the Agents are just as recognizable as Dave traveling through the wormhole or Norman Bates’ motherly sneer. For that matter, it managed to turn the word “Whoa” into every bit a catch phrase as “Luke, I am your father.” Fittingly then, Matrix: Reloaded has some large shoes to fill. Likewise, I thought that the original Matrix was more then simple eye candy. Once you get past the flashy wormhole sequence in 2001 you have the star-baby discussion to deal with. Similarly, when all of the bullet time is said and done, the viewer is left pondering over the mythological and philosophical meaning to “the One”.

Building upon the concepts introduced in the first Matrix, Reloaded picks up those ideas and begins to expand them and question them. As Gabe mentioned, this version of the Matrix is not as thoughtful as the first Matrix. Rather, it’s very sharp, a “blink and you miss it” type of film. Still, where I found little philosophy I instead discovered dark brooding against the ideas raised in the first film. I don’t want to spoil it for you, but the Wachowski brothers certainly set out to make the viewer question much of the story that they themselves developed. And of course, they also set out to make an action-packed popcorn flick. The action, much like the story, is fast paced and fun. Neo fighting Agent Smith is probably one of the big highlights, but I personally enjoyed the high-speed chase across the freeway. Yet, despite the improved special effects and fight choreography, Reloaded’s action isn’t as impacting as that of the first film. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with it, it just has the misfortune of being the second movie. As a result, people will probably remember the first film’s bullet time sequences as opposed to the second film’s action sequences.

Ultimately, I think I’m going to have to see it again before I can pass any kind of final judgment. But I do want to say that it was well worth it; I eagerly look forward to the third one as much as I look forward to re-watching this one.

Silly rabbit, Matrix is for kids?

I feel I need another viewing of The Matrix Reloaded before giving a detailed review. But here's what I can say for now:

I immensely enjoyed this movie. Its entertainment factor is sky-high. But was it good? I think so. I may need to see it again so I can concentrate on the story side. Recently I read someone’s comments on the first Matrix. This person mentioned that when he saw it the second time, after the “wow” factor wore off, he was able to see it for what it really was – an eye candy movie with a shallow story line. I disagree. I’ve seen the first Matrix numerous times and I continue to be marveled by the entire movie. While the concept is complex, I would have to agree that its presentation on screen is more palatable.

Did the story become even more thinned out in this sequel? On the first viewing, it appears that it may have. Any philosophical discussions between characters were quite short and the dialogue was very fast paced, as if they were trying to avoid time for the audience to ponder, and perhaps find any discrepancies.

The Matrix Reloaded was the first half of a whole movie. Maybe the story will come to play in the second half, which is Matrix Revolutions. Overall, though, it was a good time and still leaves you thinking.

Hangin'

Well, I got back from the Matrix about an hour and a half ago; Gabe and I decided to see it today. I know I have many things to say about that movie, but I’m going to let them hang here for a bit so I can talk about Small Brown Bike. It’s less complicated that way.

Small Brown Bike was of course, great. I didn’t think it would be a bad show, and they played some good songs. They even played a few new songs from their brand spanking new EP. If you’ve been reading their website then you probably know that they’re destined to put a new album out sometime this summer, and I assume that I few of the new songs they played were from that venture. Still, I do have a few gripes, but they have to do with me and not the band. First of all, I need to get a pair of earplugs. I don’t have fresh, “virgin ears” anymore. As good as a show is, the after-ring isn’t, so to speak. Gabe also mentioned that the sound at Modified might have been better towards the back, near the soundboard. When Small Brown Bike took the stage we both went up towards the front, and that may have caused some of the problems with the sound and hence, our hearing. That’s not to say it ruined the show…all I’m saying is that I enjoy my ears ring-free.

So then, I guess that leaves the Matrix, doesn’t it? I will comment about it, but I need to organize my thoughts. Right now they’re all construed and unfocused. If I talk about the Matrix I’m sure the only thing I’ll say is “Holycowthosewhiteagentskickedbutt!!!”
I want to investigate the intellectual aspects to this movie in addition to the “wow, that’s purdy” factor. I do want to say that the Matrix Power Aid ad is horrible…

Toga, Toga, Toga!

Well, that cliches it. I'm done with school for now, I just got out of my Psyc exam. So how did I do? Very well, I'm happy. Time to party! Toga, toga, toga

Oh yesiree... Small Brown Bike is tonight, and it's going to be great. In addition to my thoughts on the Matrix: Reloaded, I'll have something to say about the concert. I'm sure it'll be good, it's Small Brown Bike after all. I've been thinking about their stellar performance of "See You in Hell" on the Michigan Fest DVD and my mouth has been watering in anticipation. The only thing that could make this sure-to-be great show better is a surprise appearance by Nathan Ellis of The Casket Lottery. Yeah, I know...not gonna happen.

Anticipation

Small Brown Bike tonight!!! Can't wait.

Going back through my previous posts, I realized that I failed to post about X2: X-Men United. I liked it overall and better than the first. That's all I have to say.

Continuation

I agree with Brock. I really want to go into Reloaded as if I just walked out of seeing the first one for the first time. Whoa.

I promise

I'll try to go in the theater without any pre-conceptions about how I expect it to be...I promise. All I will say is that those white jackets the evil agent twins wear are neato-skeeto.

Is that a sequel you're watching?

The Fibonacci Spiral wasn't discussed in the actual movie, just in discussions about it, including Ebert's commentary. The city itself is in the shape of a spiral.

Well, Matrix: Reloaded comes out tomorrow night. There's a lot of buzz about it. Rotten Tomatoes has it at a fresh rating right now. Some critics think it failed on the story side despite it excelling in action and effects. Others feel it succeeds on all levels. Brock and I will give our take on it after we see it Thursday afternoon. Stay tuned.

Walking on Moonbeams

Yeah, I'm glad I came around to it too. I think it helped to understand some of the film's key elements. Still, I always loved speculating upon the film, and I still do. Fibonacci was talked about in Dark City? Did that have something to do with the creepy aliens drawing spirals everywhere they went?

I tell you, that Killing a Camera DVD is going to be awesome. It'll be like visiting an old stomping ground, not just for the band, but for many of its fans too. I'm really looking forward to the band's commentary and the disc's full copy of the Metro show. If you're a big Braid fan then I suggest you check it out; it'll be something to see.

Speaking of revisiting old stomping grounds, I borrowed Hum's Electra 2000 from Gabe. That's the one Hum CD that I don't own; I have both You'd Prefer an Astronaut and Downward is Heavenward, but I'd forgotten how great Electra is. Pewter, Winder and Diffuse have to be three of my favorite songs...period.

So, I finished that mix CD, sort of. I need to listen to it a few times, but here's the final tracklisting for Alex's superfantabular Mix-Album:

• 2+2=5 ~ Radiohead


• Sinatra ~ The Fire Theft


• If That's How It's Gotta Be ~ J. Mascis and the Fog


• The Dream ~ Audio Learning Center


• Apocolypce WOW! ~ Reggie and the Full Effect


• Karate Chops for Everyone But Us... ~ Piebald


• Politik ~ Coldplay


• Of A Broken Heart ~ Zwan


• Cold Heart of Stone ~ Frank Black and the Catholics


• Little One ~ Beck


• I Am the Walrus ~ The Beatles


• Wrong Side of the Tracks ~ Strung Out


• Under Pressure ` The Casket Lottery and Small Brown Bike


• Chinatown ~ Jets to Brazil


• Fog ~ Radiohead

TTFN!
(Ta Ta For Now)

-Brock

Mmm, Pi

Brock, glad you came around to Pi. I liked it from the beginning. By the way, the Fibonacci Spiral was mentioned in discussions of Dark City. I haven't seen Pi in a long time. I'm not sure if I had a theory on the goo.

Bifocal Media posted some news recently on Braid's Killing a Camera DVD. They have the masters and should complete it in a month or two. Hot digitty dog!! Man, I can't wait for that release. Apparently it will have some band commentary. How fitting, since two of the members are big fans of DVD and commentary.

Small Brown Bike in two days!

3.14...

The last film we watched in cinema class turned out to be Darren Aronofsky's neurotic thriller, Pi. I think I should be honest for a moment here; I never really liked Pi. I know that people proclaimed it as genius, a masterwork and a triumph of the Indie-film genre. I suppose the meaning of the film never really reached me; Pi is a very deep, intellectual film. As far as I can remember, I saw Pi before I even seriously considered becoming a filmmaker.

Now however, I really appreciate the depth of Pi, as well as its neurotic visions. Part of my sudden interest may be because the teacher explained many of the confusing points about the film, such as: The goo stuck on Max's computer, the brain and the spirals. So...I'm glad that Pi turned out to be the last film for the semester. It was fitting. Even more fitting is the fact that I only have one paper left to write, and then I'm home free! (For a little while at least...)

Did I mention that I checked out that new Apple online music store? I'm actually impressed; it's a very nice concept and it's well executed. Even more enticing is the large selection of 80's music from groups like Depeche Mode, Tears for Fears and A-HA! With each song being priced at 99 cents, I can finally pick up some of those giddy pleasures. Take On Me, Mad World, Mr. Roboto...it's like stumbling upon some weird, synthetic wonderland. Speaking of the 80's, I'm on the lookout for a Michael Jackson hat for Gabe. Ahh-heeee-heee-heee! Thrillah!

Biking

I too am very excited for the Small Brown Bike show. It should rock the house! Dredg should be very cool. Don't forget about Mike Watt! I'm forcing everyone I know to see the myth and legend of punk bass play.

I'm very sore and tired today. I played some major ball (basket) last night. Ouch!

Pricey

Can you believe it? Small Brown Bike is next Wednesday...I'm already getting excited. It should be a good show, especially considering that the venue has changed to Modified. And of course, we've got some other good bands coming up: Dredge (I'm sure I spelt that wrong), Reggie and the Full Effect, and Pedro the Lion. I do know that we'll probably skip out on the Year of the Rabbit show. "Why Brock, why?!!?!?!" Well, for a number of reasons, one being the fact that the Rabbit will only be the opening act, and the other being that the actual show costs around 30 bucks. Pricey! I'll get my Ken Andrews fix though, just you wait...

How about the clips of that new Radiohead music video, There, There? I think it looks pretty neat. I love the grainy, stilted filming. It feels like a cheesy B-grade horror film, or even an outake reel from Army of Darkness. Thom York's facial expression when he peaks around the trees is priceless.

Today...

Today I'll blog...just lemme wake up here, eh?

DVD Day

Well, I bought two DVDs today. Can I consider that DVD day? Maybe, since I rarely buy more than one DVD in one day. If I had the dough, I'd buy more. Anyway, I picked up Catch Me If You Can and Say Anything. Say Anything is a special edition! It's one of the 80s classics. It has commentary with Cameron Crowe, John Cusak and Ione Sky. Pretty sweet, huh? Oh yeah! Can't wait to watch them.