Face It

Face to Face has called it quits. Not a breakup really. They just feel they've run their course. They sure put on a good run. Thank you Face to Face. You provided a great chapter in the story of my ongoing musical epic.

Tenacious Thief

So what's this I hear about Tenacious D covering Paranoid Android and Airbag? I'll have to check that out.

Yeah, the Hulk beard thing always made me wonder. Maybe we'll find out in the sequel. (That's what I care about. Not Bruce and Betty getting together, nor Betty coming to terms with the rift between the Hulk and her father. I want to find out about Hulk's beard).

What to Write

I just don't know what to write about today. Modest Mouse is next week. That should be awesome.

That's a funny thought on the Hulk beard, Brock. Interesting.

Beard!

I watched the Hulk for the first time since I saw it in the theater. I was wondering about the ending, when Bruce Banner is in the (presumably South American) village and he’s got the beard. My thought was, when he turns into the Hulk, does the Hulk keep the beard? Moreover, does it become a huge wicked beard?

I Remember Music.

Poor Chris Carraba. Yes, Rocky’s show was enjoyable. He played one of the songs I wanted to hear too! (Alabaster) He didn’t play Every Red Cent though, or Crabtree and Evelyn. Still good to hear…

Without Ears Still Hearing

Rocky came, and he went. At a show I thought he'd be opening, he headlined. Despite this, his set was still short. I would've liked more songs for sure, but he did play one more at the beckoning request of the audience. Soulful and sweet. Songs that would make Chris Carraba wet his pants!

Every red cent

Rocky Votolato is tomorrow! I'm excited, I'm ready to see him play asap. And he's playing at Modified. (If you live in Phoenix or if you've seen a band play at Modified, then you know that seeing Rocky play there can only be a fantastic experience).

ALC

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.

My Fettish

No, way! Episode III? In that case I definately need to check this Whale Rider flick out.

Regal Leader

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.

Our overmade minds

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.

Hulk Whale

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!!!

What's Missing is Dead

Brock's post and review of Hey Mercedes shall be momentarily delayed in lieu of the news

I'm really sorry to hear it. Truly, they'll be missed.

Broken Bike

Well, I heard from a guy on the Failure Mailing List, who knows a friend of the band, that Small Brown Bike is breaking up. It's on good terms, however, so there may be a last show or so.

A moment of silence please. Sadness.

Witch's Teet

Brock, hope you recovered over the weekend.

I'm back from a three-day weekend up in northern Arizona. Visited the Grand Canyon. It was in the 60s there during the day and colder than a witch's tit at night.

Soon

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”.

Winterlong

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.

Please, No

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.

Get Well Soon

Get well, Brock! Keep ya head up.

Bad Day

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…