Off the Beaten Path

I think Josh and Jeremy hit upon a good topic to discuss – how or what lead us to liking more than what we were being fed by the radio.

I don’t remember exactly what started me in the new direction, but Alex and Rebekah played a big part. They weren’t listening to anything that wasn’t already being played on the radio, but one day they made a couple purchases based on someone’s recommendation. I don’t know who that was, but I’d have to thank them as well. The newly acquired albums were Where You Been by Dinosaur Jr., and Juandice by Lucy’s Fur Coat.

Juandice immediately became their album of the moment, and with good reason. They hailed from San Diego (I think), but they played a hard, southern-style rock that was a lot of fun. Alex and Rebekah hadn’t even touched Where You Been so I decided to borrow it. Man, I’ll never forget the moment I first listened to it. The very first chord hit me like a freight train. Then there was his voice. The deep, nasally depression that was J Mascis.

Then there were the Smashing Pumpkins. That was due to Alex and Rebekah, and hearing “Disarm” on the radio. I’ve listened to Siamese Dream probably more times than any other album I’ve ever owned. I’d put that one on repeat before going to bed. I did that many a night.

Another song that hit me hard the first time I heard it was “Stars” by Hum. That one I heard on the radio. Hum took me many places.

I can go on and on, but those were the big ones.

Say it may be so

I’ve had a plethora of harsh feelings regarding Weezer over the past few years and it all began with the Green Album. More recently those feelings soured with my sudden distaste of Maladroit. Now, I languidly watch the band’s website every day as they chart their return to the studio in attempt to record their 5th studio album. Recording at a breakneck pace, Weezer plans to get as much work done as possible before the band’s diminutive leader Rivers Cuomo heads back to school. And as I type this I can’t help but think to myself, “If they pick up where Pinkerton left off, they could once again be my favorite band”.

On the way back from the second Braid show last month, Alex pulled out Pinkerton from the confines of Gabe’s CD jacket. Maybe it was the mood that passed between us that night and maybe it was the aftershock of seeing one of indie’s greats, but whatever it was, Weezer’s second album resonated in me like never before.
I’ve always liked Pinkerton. To many it was the stepson of Rivers Cuomo that won its way into the hearts of Weezer fan everywhere. But to me it will always be “the second best”. That night though it felt like something much more; for me it sounded like the continual spark of a movement that never really saw its fulfillment in my eyes. I didn’t say anything like that at the time, I simply sung along to the music with the rest of the car.
And then a few days ago I resurrected Pinkerton from my CD collection and gave it another spin…and then another...and then another. All in all, I must have listened to that album 20 times in the past few days. Why, I couldn’t possibly fathom. That is, I didn’t understand it until I began to grapple with the fact that Weezer used to be my favorite band. That’s right, used to be. Radiohead holds the mantle these days, but back when I was new to the world of music, before I even had a CD collection, Weezer stood as the undefeated champions of my youth. As sappy as this may sound, they were the musical icons I choose to represent “my voice” in the world. Rivers Cuomo and his band of geeks became my generational spokesmen. And then they wrote the Green Album. I can’t quite accept that straightforward, mechanical exertion of music, but Cuomo seems to be absolutely fond of it. Personally, I’ll take the unhinged, raw expression of feeling found within Pinkerton.
When I listened to Pinkerton the other day I felt like I came to a crossroads with my “former favorite band”. Knowing that a new album may be just around the corner, I can only hope that they pick up where Pinkerton left off. I just want Weezer to be a group of songwriters now, not rockers and most certainly not song technicians.

And so here it is: Let’s say their next album fulfills the promise set down by Pinkerton. Let’s say that Weezer’s 5th album disregards the poppy sound beloved by our current MTV viewers, and immerses itself in the dark innuendo and self-depreciation enjoyed by the band’s real fans. If such a thing were to happen, and I’d be completely surprised if it did, then I’d be willing to give the champions their crown back. That’s right. Weezer could be my spokesmen again. Their music could be the soundtrack to my life once more. Pinkerton proved that Cuomo had a songwriting talent that went unappreciated by a generation of teeny-boppers, and if Cuomo has any sense during these recording sessions, he’ll let that talent create a work that can once again reflect the thoughts of fans like me.

Afterwards

Thanks for enduring that casting call. A less self-indulgent post later. For now, what's up with The Wire? Maybe it's post tour let-down, but it's been a while since I've read anything from Nanna and his crew.

Casting Call

In the next screenwriting contest I plan to enter, one of the prizes for the top three winners is a possible meeting with a major motion picture studio. Not that my script could make it that far (although I’d certainly be pleased if it did), but still, it got me wondering who I’d suggest the studio cast for the film if I ever made it that far.
Yeah, I’m a looser. I’ll get to edit my short story today, I promise! But let’s just play “what-if” for a moment.

What if “Last Rights” got optioned to be made into a feature film? Who would play who?

Johnny Boscow – Johnny Depp

screenplay description of Boscow - "Across the nightstand, sitting cramped on the right side of the bed, is JOHNNY BOSCOW, 31, tall dark and contrite."

The story’s weird main character, despondent late night host Johnny Boscow, would be played by the weird actor Johnny Depp. (Similarities between the character and actor’s first names are unintended by the way; I wrote the part as a possible role for Gabe. But if you know your late night history then you probably understand why I chose to name my main character Johnny).
Depp’s frantic, more satirical and world weary persona would have to be shown in this film. Brock H. Brown would coach Depp to play the part like “a good boy scout who’s escorted an old lady and her very heavy packages for one block too many”.

Albert Reily – Philip Seymour Hoffman

Johnny’s spiteful and self-serving head writer (and later sidekick) would have to be played by a unique and organic character actor. He’d have to be able to be sweet as sugar one moment and then black and acidic as bile the next. Hoffman is the perfect build for Albert, and his skills would enable him to play the roll well.

Max Powers – Bruce Campbell

Who better to play late night’s b-list host then b-list actor Bruce Campbell? He’s got the goofy, overly heroic build and the charisma to face off against Depp in a TV “winner takes all”.

Robert Gleck - Dylan Baker

Baker is yet another fluid character actor who also has the right age and mettle to take on the considerable role of the plot’s secondary character, Johnny’s producer. Baker would have to wear a headpiece that would make him look like he’s balding, but other then a few light makeup changes, he’s primed to be the man behind the stage, freaking out at the loss of sponsors.

Shortie

Gabe, you should have my short story by tonight. I'm gonna run through it quick to clean it up and then you can read it and tell me what you think.
You readers out there who have been waiting for it, be patient. I figured, why post just snippets when I can clean it up and have the entire story online this week?

Check It Out

Brock and I have posted pieces of our scripts on The Study of Leonard Hughes. Brock, where's the short story?

You should do it now while its on your mind

So I just listened to that Owen song Gabe posted. I’m floored. It’s very mellow but very powerful sounding. I think I might have to devote more attention to those guys in my next few music purchases. In fact, I need to write a list of the albums I intend on purchasing.

Hey, check this out:

I didn’t know that Conan O’Brian was going to release some DVD’s. This is great. The first one is supposed to highlight his 10th Anniversary special (which I never saw) while the second is a much-needed Triumph the Insult Comic Dog DVD. I was just sitting around the other day thinking to myself “You know what? I have DVDs of the Simpsons, Futurama, and King of the Hill. But where’s my Conan O’Brian DVD’s?” I wasn’t sure what I wanted in a Conan O’Brian DVD, but I knew I wanted it.

Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk

Relatively stable, relatively able... Currently listening to American Football. Soothing. Mike Kinsella, from the aforementioned band, has an acoustical project by the name of Owen. Also available from Polyvinyl Records. Good stuff. In fact, have a taste.

I'm in very high anticipation for this Jeff Buckley release: Grace - Legacy Edition. Hauntingly beautiful.

The months give themselves to darkness against the light

Gabe clearly devalues himself as a writer; he's got an ability that oftentimes goes underappreciated. Still, he can’t deny his brilliance in using that old blog to post our literary creations. Now we can post our short stories without fear of cluttering up our main blog. What’s more, I’m eager to see Gabe’s work. Check the The Study of Leonard Hughes out later, because I’m going to post an excerpt from “Blood on the Golden Shores”

Do you ever have one of those days when the underlying cinematic inspiration behind the world unravels itself to you? I know that sounds odd, but stick with me here. I had such an experience last night and early this morning.
The first experience came last night when the skies darkened and the wind began to rustle. It’s this time of year when you can feel the air bulging with the humidity of Monsoon Season. In summers past the rains have been unforgiving in their downpour. But this year we’ve gotten scarcely more then a drizzle. That was until last night, when the skies seemed to utterly explode with water. It might have been dry around other parts of the valley, but nearby my house the rain was gushing down in sheets.
And it was nice. The rain cascading down my back porch like a waterfall, puddles turning into rivers in the street, it was cinematic. Being inside my house during the storm made it all the more surreal.
And then there was this morning. I had a dental appointment and I had to leave the house around 6:30. Sleep came fairly easily when I went to bed, but I woke up about an hour and a half earlier then I intended. And I couldn’t coax myself back to sleep. So I got up and decided to see what the world would be like at that hour.
At first I didn’t know what to do, so I put on my headphones and wandered around the house looking at the brightening sky outside. Appropriately, when the darkness began to recede I popped in Failure’s Fantastic Planet and listened to “Daylight”.
(I also listened to “The World At Large”. You can question the rest of Good News all you want, but the epic simplicity of that track marks it as a masterwork.) But the point I’m trying to make here is that I had no idea how amazingly visual these things could be. I knew they were, but for some reason it struck me as extra pertinent last night and today.

Anyway, enough sentimentality; I think its time we consider two albums I’m looking forward to:

The first is Ted Leo’s new album Shake the Sheets. Apparently, this album was leaked in its entirety last week, and people have been snapping up downloads like crazy. I’m going to wait for the mass release, but I did download one track from Shake the Sheets, The One Who Got Us Out. I think it sounds very good. Leo’s songs are always rock without apology, and I think this album is going to deliver on that reputation.
Of course, I am tempted to download the rest of the album. But I’ve managed to keep myself restrained so far.

The other album I wanted to look into was Chris Broach’s new Firebird Band release (which I think is entitled The City at Night). I really liked the last Firebird album. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I believe it may be one of my favorite albums of the past five years. Hence, I’m really excited about this next release. Check out the message board on their official site. They’ve asked fans to tell them where they should play in support of the new release. I’ve seen Broach with Braid, but I’d like to see one of his solo projects.

Let the short stories begin...

Once, a long time ago, I had an idea for Brock and I to collaborate on a story. We'd take turns writing, using each other's last post as the basis for the next. I basically let that die but the site never did.

Now, it will be the spot that Brock and I will post our short stories, or story ideas. It'll probably be mostly Brock, as my time is nearly non-existent. Plus my creative juices just don't flow as nicely as Brock's. We'll update you here on newly posted material.

The site is: The Study of Leonard Hughes.

For now

It's happened. The Pixies have stated their plans to record a new album. Amazing.

I'll post something more tomorrow, but I wanted to mention that tonight, cause its crazy.

Infinite Sadness

Man, I've been in a depressive rut at work for a week and half now. I can't seem to shake it. I get better once I leave work. Can I get worker's comp for work related depression? So, I fittingly listen to Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. The blog is now my couch.

The Ghost of Jimmy Stewart. Soon to be short story? Perhaps. I never finish writing anything I say I will, so don't count on it.

"The ghost of Jimmy Stewart walks into Fredrico's, a hip Hollywood night club..."

One word: Plastics

A remake of a film that should never, ever be remade.

Tequila shots/Bamboo shoots

Glug, glug, glug...

I mean, uh...

A sitcom eh? I dunno. I don't really like sitcoms. I think there's a few here and there that I've found to be inventive and funny, but the whole Darma & Greg/Will & Grace thing turns me off from wanting to write one. It's like that episode of the Family Guy:

Greg
Darma, you're standing on the couch.

Darma
I know silly!

Greg
You're such a free spirit!

Sitcom

Want to write the next hit sitcom? Bravo channel is doing a reality series for it. It's called Situation: Comedy. Brock, get on it!

Today Brock has reached the 21st year of his life. On to the 22nd.

Hail

15 years ago today the band that would become Radiohead played a gig in a small little Oxford Tavern.

Screenwriting

You probably won't hear too much from me today because I'm busy finishing the rewrite of my script. That's right, I'm almost done. Drinks on the house.

Beck Rides Again

Interesting stuff regarding Corgan. He was slamming former Pumpkin James Ihan on past posts. It would seem that the only former bandmate Corgan gets along with is Jimmy Chamberlin...

Moving away from the sometimes dark, sometimes unbearably sunny alt-rocker, I should note that there's a new album by folk-singer, groove master, country-boy extrordinare Beck on the horizon. This new album has been reported for some time as being much more in line with albums like Odelay and Midnight Vultures. You can read all about it on Pitchfork. They even have some songtitles from the new album and info on a surprise collaboration.

B.C. Rides Again

There's a new message from Billy Corgan at his site. He's currently working on a new album. He also has some "not so kind words" about former Zwan mates. Ouch.

Do any of you Pumpkinheads know what's up with Adore? I was listening to my copy the other day and it's scratched beyond repair. I need to replace it, but it appears to be out of print. Yes? I just looked online, though. I have yet to visit the local music shop.

Crossover

"Perhaps after Josh sees the movie, we can openly discuss the specifics of the “surprises.”"

Sweet, a Try Avoidance/Eyes Like Static crossover.